Vietnam

Following the scheduled reopening of Lien Khuong Airport on 19 Aug after renovation works, Vietjet will resume 5 domestic routes linking Da Lat with Hanoi (28 return flights weekly), HCMC (7), Vinh (7), Hai Phong (4), and Da Nang (3)

According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Vietjet has applied to the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for an Airline Operator Certificate (AOC) to set up a locally registered domestic airline. The proposed airline plans to launch with a starting fleet of 10 B737s. If approved, Vietjet would become the first international carrier to directly enter the Australian domestic market in over a decade

In 2026, Vietnam Airlines aims to remain profitable despite severe headwinds from rising operating and green transition costs, exchange rate volatility, and a projected 48% spike in fuel prices driven by Middle East tensions. To counter an expected $455 million USD surge in fuel expenses, the airline is optimising its domestic and international networks, tightening cost controls, and adjusting flight frequencies. The carrier expects to generate 138.9 trillion VND in consolidated revenue by targeting 27.73 million passengers and 361,400 tonnes of cargo. The airline is launching its 2026-2035 development strategy, which includes expanding infrastructure at Long Thanh International Airport, introducing its first dedicated cargo aircraft in Q3 2026, expanding its fleet with 50 ordered and 20 leased narrow-body aircraft, and accelerating digital and ESG-driven transformations to achieve 5-star international status by 2030

From 1 Jul 2026, new Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) regulations require all flight passengers in Vietnam to carry power banks strictly in their carry-on baggage, with a maximum limit of 2 devices per person. Lithium-metal devices must not exceed 2 grams of lithium, while lithium-ion units are capped at 100 Watt-hours (Wh), though capacities up to 160Wh may be allowed with prior airline approval. Onboard, passengers are prohibited from recharging power banks or using them to charge other devices, and the units must be removed from bags and kept in a visible location throughout the flight. Passengers must protect the devices individually using original packaging, tape on exposed terminals, or separate plastic pouches

Sun PhuQuoc Airways has launched 2 new routes to China: three times weekly from Phu Quoc-Chengdu from 16 Jul, and 4 times weekly from HCMC-Chengdu from 12 Aug

Thai Vietjet is studying the feasibility of the Udon Thani-HCMC and Krabi-HCMC routes, which are expected to be ready for operations in 2027

Vietnam Airlines is expanding its fleet with 2 leased Airbus aircraft, including an A320 on 26 Jun and an A321 in Jul, adding nearly 23,000 monthly seats to high-demand domestic summer routes like Hanoi-HCMC, Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang. This expansion is part of a broader summer push by the Vietnam Airlines Group to operate 28,300 domestic flights and offer 5.5 million seats through 16 Aug, marking a YoY increase of 5% in flights and 3% in capacity

Vietjet will double its Kuala Lumpur-HCMC service to twice daily starting 3 Jul, alongside expanding domestic capacity on key routes from HCMC and Hanoi to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hue, Quy Nhon, and Dong Hoi. Vietjet will also launch new routes from HCMC to Colombo on 18 Aug, Hanoi to Almaty and Prague on 10 Oct, and Nha Trang to Singapore on 11 Dec

Vietnamese airlines and airports are launching major recruitment drives. To support its 33-aircraft fleet plan, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is hiring 1,000 flight crew members and international office heads on 27 Jun and 18 Jul, offering monthly incomes up to $2,051 USD. Simultaneously, Vietnam Airlines aims to hire over 1,200 flight attendants, Vietjet is recruiting cabin and ground crew from Jul-Sep, and Vietravel Airlines is recruiting both new and qualified flight attendants in Jul. Meanwhile, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is offering entry-level roles starting at $493 USD to address a critical 2,000-employee shortage at Long Thanh International Airport caused primarily by applicant language deficits

On 23 Jun, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) officially welcomed its 11th aircraft - a fuel-efficient 2025 Airbus A320neo. According to the airline's fleet expansion plan, the airline is set to receive 16 additional Airbus A320 and A321 family aircraft between now and the end of Aug 2026, bringing its total fleet size to 26 aircraft. Domestically, SPA is launching routes from Hanoi to Cam Ranh (20 Jul), Da Lat, and Buon Ma Thuot (22 Aug), and Can Tho (late Aug), alongside services connecting Hai Phong with both HCMC and Phu Quoc (25 Jul). Internationally, the carrier is introducing flights to Chengdu from Phu Quoc (16 Jul) and HCMC (22 Aug), launching daily services to Incheon from both Hanoi and HCMC (25 Aug), and planning future expansion to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and India

Vietnam Airlines has received a preliminary commitment from the Export-Import Bank of the US (EXIM) for a guaranteed loan of up to $2.9 billion USD to finance the delivery of 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which were purchased under an agreement signed in Washington, D.C., in Feb 2026 and are scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032. Vietnam Airlines remains the first and only Vietnamese carrier to secure EXIM-supported financing for aircraft purchases. EXIM has expressed interest in exploring future financing opportunities involving US goods and services, including aircraft engines, maintenance and engineering facilities, and aviation infrastructure

Da Nang International Airport has launched a 6-day trial of an automated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system at its operations centre to detect, identify, and track unauthorised drones within its airspace. The trial assesses the technology's range, tracking capabilities, and accuracy to form long-term flight safety solutions. The airport is launching public safety awareness campaigns with local authorities and has urged military and police forces to step up inspections against illegal drone use, balloon releases, laser illumination, and high-intensity lights

Contractors building Long Thanh International Airport have launched a 180-day acceleration campaign, ramping up the workforce by 4.5% from 1 Jun 2026 to an average of over 7,300 personnel, including hundreds of military personnel. To date, financial progress includes Component 3 reaching 65.6 trillion VND (76% of contract value), major construction packages exceeding 56 trillion VND (nearly 68% of contract value), and Package 4.8 for internal transport and aviation infrastructure has hit nearly 6.9 trillion VND (62% of contract value)

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the Vietnam Airlines Group (comprising Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO) consistently outperformed the domestic aviation industry's average on-time performance (OTP) for 3 consecutive months from Mar-May 2026. Pacific Airlines recorded an exceptional OTP of 89% in Mar, 96% in Apr, and 95.2% in May, whilst Vietnam Airlines saw its rate improve from 80.4% to 89.5%, and VASCO maintained stable figures rising to 92.2% by May

Vietnam Airlines plans to resume its air route connecting Hanoi, HCMC, and Da Nang with Lam Dong from 19 Aug 2026 as soon as Lien Khuong International Airport officially reopens

Vietjet will operate a single, non-stop round-trip charter flight between Sapporo/Chitose and Hanoi during Japan’s Silver Week, departing Sapporo on 19 Sep and returning from Hanoi on 23 Sep. This direct service shortens travel time to around 6 hours

According to the President of Asia Pacific at Vista, in 2025, Vietnam emerged as one of VistaJet’s fastest-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region, recording a 34% YoY increase in flying hours and a 21% rise in flight legs. Vietnamese clients are predominantly large corporations, conglomerates, and private investors with international operations

The Government Decree No. 208, taking effect in Jul, introduces new compensation rules for flight disruptions. Under the decree, a delay is defined as over 15 minutes, with delays over 4 hours classified as "long". In the event of carrier-fault delays, airlines must apologise, update airport screens every 30 minutes, and provide water or vouchers after 2 hours, alongside daytime rest facilities or overnight accommodation. For delays or cancellations caused by the carrier, they must waive surcharges to rebook passengers or offer a full refund. Furthermore, if a schedule change alters a flight time by 5 hours or more, passengers are entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight within 72 hours

In Jul 2026, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will launch 3 new domestic routes, with 3 daily flights between Cam Ranh/Nha Trang and Hanoi on 20 Jul (reducing to 2 daily from 10 Aug), followed by a daily service between Hai Phong and HCMC on 25 Jul. A daily flight between Hai Phong and Phu Quoc will also begin on 25 Jul using an A321neo, which is scheduled to switch to an A320neo from 25 Oct 2026

To address a shortfall of nearly 2,000 workers on the $12.8 billion USD Long Thanh airport project, Vietnam has deployed hundreds of soldiers to reinforce the civilian workforce and meet the year-end construction deadline. The labour crunch, driven by harsh site conditions and competition from nearby expressway projects, has slowed finishing work on the passenger terminal and left packages short of machinery operators. Contractors have launched a 180-day acceleration campaign, implementing round-the-clock shifts to prepare for trial operations in Sep ahead of commercial flights in late 2026

According to the Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), Lien Khuong International Airport in Lam Dong Province is expected to resume operations on 19 Aug following a temporary closure for repairs and upgrades that began on 4 Mar. ACV invested over $38 million USD into the large-scale project to repair the entire runway, taxiways, safety strips, and technical infrastructure, restoring the airfield's structural integrity to ensure safe operations in all weather conditions. Under the development plan, the airport will meet 4E standards by 2030, qualifying it to handle wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 while accommodating 5 million passengers and 20,000 tonnes of cargo annually, before a post-2030 runway extension to 3,600 metres increases annual passenger capacity to 7 million

According to actual bookings made on Agoda between 1 Mar-19 May for departures from 1 Jun-31 Aug, the HCMC-Kuala Lumpur flight has emerged as Vietnam's most affordable international route this summer at $34 USD. The top 5 cheapest regional short-haul routes also include flights from HCMC to Johor Bahru ($45 USD), Singapore ($47 USD), and Bangkok ($51 USD), alongside Da Nang-Kuala Lumpur ($49 USD). Meanwhile, separate summer data from Booking.com highlighted that Singapore secured the top spot as the most searched international destination specifically for Vietnamese families

Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to launch daily Phu Quoc-Bangkok Suvarnabhumi services from 8 Aug

On 10 Jun, the Long Thanh airport project achieved a major milestone by switching on its main power supply from a remotely monitored, $6 million USD substation, clearing the way for 3 rounds of trial operations in Sep, Oct, and Nov ahead of a planned commercial launch in Dec 2026. The overall development is 76% by value, with the aircraft apron over 88% finished, the fuel system over 92% finished, and the passenger terminal's main structure erected

Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to restore its flight frequencies on the Phu Quoc-Taipei Taoyuan route back to 5 weekly flights starting on 2 Aug 2026. This restoration follows a service reduction from 5 to 3 weekly flights that began on 11 Jun

According to its latest schedule update, Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to increase its service on the Phu Quoc-Hong Kong route to 7 weekly flights starting on 3 Aug 2026, upgrading from its previous 5-weekly schedule

During a press briefing in HCMC on 9 Jun, aircraft manufacturer ATR highlighted Vietnam's strong potential for regional aviation, noting that a joint study with transport consultancy TEDI identified 149 potential domestic routes under 555km, of which 87 remain unserved. Connecting these routes would require roughly 25 ATR 72-600 aircraft, a model that burns 45% less fuel than similar regional jets, making it profitable on lower-demand routes where narrow-body planes are not economically viable. This regional expansion could significantly boost local economies, as a 10% increase in regional flights correlates with a 5% rise in tourism, a 6% lift in regional GDP, and an 8% increase in foreign direct investment. Furthermore, the aircraft is well-suited for cross-border connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. The ATR 72-600 features an "all-glass" Thales cockpit and an upgraded "Armonia" cabin, whilst its newly introduced "ATR HighLine" premium configuration, first delivered to Malaysia's Berjaya Air in May 2026 as a 26-seat, all-business-class layout, will soon serve high-end luxury resorts in locations like Phu Quoc

According to data from Agoda, based on bookings made between 1 Mar-19 May 2026 for departures between 1 Jun-31 Aug 2026, the HCMC-Tuy Hoa route has been named Vietnam's cheapest domestic flight path for the summer travel season with an average airfare of $24 USD. It is closely followed by the Da Nang-Hanoi, HCMC-Da Nang, and Tam Ky-HCMC routes all at $25 USD, whilst HCMC-Quy Nhon rounds out the top 5 at $26 USD. These affordable routes grant travellers budget-friendly access to popular coastal and urban sites, including Tuy Hoa, a beach destination located 120 kilometres from Nha Trang

According to a 5 Jun 2026 directive reviewed by Reuters, the Vietnamese government has instructed Vietnam Airlines, VietJetAir, and Sun PhuQuoc Airways to review their current agreements with US aerospace manufacturers and find ways to increase American imports. The directive aims to show Washington that bilateral commitments are being met as Hanoi seeks to strengthen its position in trade talks. This intervention follows a 44.3% YoY surge in the US goods trade deficit with Vietnam, which reached $178.2 billion USD in 2025, alongside three US investigations into Vietnam over alleged trade distortions, intellectual property violations, and forced labour. Existing airline commitments include Vietnam Airlines' outstanding order for 50 Boeing 737-8s, VietJetAir's orders for 191 Boeing aircraft and its February 2026 engine deal with RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney for 44 Airbus jets, and a pending commitment by start-up Sun PhuQuoc Airways to acquire up to 40 Boeing 787-9s

Domestic airfares across Vietnam declined due to lower global oil prices, with crude falling 22% from Q1 2026 record highs of nearly 120 USD per barrel and Jet A1 aviation fuel dropping from $240 USD per barrel in Apr to around $141 USD. This cost relief allows carriers to ease fare prices and launch promotional campaigns, such as early booking and group discounts, during the busy 2026 summer peak. Round-trip tickets on major leisure routes remain competitively priced, and HCMC-Hanoi round trips for Jul have dropped to 4.5-4.8 million VND from the 6-7 million VND seen in Apr. To accommodate this surging passenger demand, Tan Son Nhat International Airport expects average daily flight movements to increase by 15% to around 720, peaking between 1 Jul and 15 Aug at around 730 daily flights serving 125,000 passengers per day primarily on domestic routes

Following a request from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam's Ministry of Construction issued a directive on 5 Jun ordering major domestic carriers, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Sun Phu Quoc Airways, to accelerate multibillion-dollar agreements with US firms and explore new American high-technology imports. The order comes as the Trump administration launches 3 trade investigations against Vietnam over excess capacity, intellectual property violations, and forced labour. This diplomatic push aims to address a soaring trade imbalance, with the US trade deficit with Vietnam reaching $54.8 billion USD in Q1 2026 alone, directly leveraging the airlines' existing contracts for Pratt & Whitney engines, 40 Boeing Dreamliners, and 250 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft