Aviation sector strives to attract int’l travelers back to Vietnam
International tourists arriving in Vietnam by air account for the majority of inbound travel, thanks to the combined efforts of the aviation and tourism sectors, often referred to as the "dual wings" of economic development.
Tourists visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province (Photo: Vietnam+)
Hanoi (VNA) 🦩- According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam welcomed over 12.7 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2024, a 43% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Republic of Korea led the way with 3.3 million visitors, followed by China with 2.7 million, together accounting for 47.8% of total arrivals. Taiwan, the US, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, India, Cambodia, and Thailand rounded out the top 10 markets.
Aviation played a crucial role, with nearly 10.8 million international visitors arriving by air, accounting for 84.9% of total international arrivals, marking a 38.7% increase from the previous year.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong highlighted the aviation sector's vital contribution to post-pandemic tourism recovery, emphasising that air travel remains the dominant mode of arrival for international visitors.
“The role of carriers in the (tourism sector’s) post-pandemic recovery is undeniable. Statistics show that visitors travelling to Vietnam via airlines account for the vast majority compared to other means of transportation,” he said.
Foreign visitors go through immigration procedure at Noi Bai international airport. (Photo: Vietnam+)
Despite significant progress, Vietnam’s tourism arrivals remain below potential. In 2023, Vietnam welcomed 12.6 million international visitors, ranking fourth in Southeast Asia, trailing Malaysia (29 million), Thailand (28 million), and Singapore (13.6 million).
Vietnam Airlines Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa acknowledged the challenges, emphasising that the aviation sector is key to expanding Vietnam’s global reach. He noted that the Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead global economic growth, with aviation traffic in the region projected to grow 5.3% annually, surpassing the global average of 3.8%. By 2040, the region could account for over 60% of global passenger growth, and Vietnam’s aviation market is expected to triple, reaching approximately 200 million passengers annually.
Hoa stressed the need for Vietnam Airlines to maintain its competitive edge amid fierce competition from domestic and international carriers. The national flag carrier is focusing on digital transformation and ensuring safety to secure its position as a leader in Vietnam's aviation industry.
Vietnam Airlines actively promotes its brand at tourism fairs both at home and abroad. (Photo: Vietnam+)
In response to government directives, Vietnam Airlines has developed a comprehensive restructuring plan to overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoa expressed hope for swift approval of the plan so that the airline can implement necessary measures for long-term growth.
Despite difficulties, Vietnam Airlines continues to expand its global network, with plans to launch routes to Italy, Denmark, and Canada by 2025./.
In a move to expand its international presence, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has signed bilateral memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with two of the world’s premier airlines, Etihad Airways and Emirates.
The Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC) has reported robust business performance for the first nine months of 2024 by maintaining stable operations in Vietnam while expanding its international network to meet the mounting travel demand.
Vietjet Air has just launched an air route, connecting the coastal city of Nha Trang in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa and Daegu city in the Republic of Korea, with seven return flights per week.
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
