Vietnam seeks more domestic flights and revival of suspended routes
Airlines have been asked to draw up network plans for late 2026 and 2027, taking demand, fleet deployment and operating viability into account.
Vietnam’s aviation regulator wants domestic airlines to identify opportunities to restart suspended routes, launch services and operate more frequent flights, with implementation timetables covering late 2026 and 2027.
The director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) told the Vietnam News Agency that carriers should examine passenger demand, options for deploying aircraft and the sustainability of operations. The authority urged them to review both active and suspended routes, considering resumptions where demand is sufficient and operating conditions permit.
The CAAV also sought consideration of direct services connecting localities, especially economic centres, tourism destinations and key economic regions. It said these links would make journeys shorter and cheaper while limiting passengers’ reliance on transfers at major hubs.
Airport improvements, including projects already finished and others still in progress, were increasing capacity to accommodate network growth, the authority said. Airlines were asked to prepare for expanded operations alongside airport operators and aviation service providers, and to flag infrastructure and coordination problems.
The regulator also encouraged airlines to work with local governments and tourism businesses on demand assessments, destination promotion and tourism products. Any cooperation arrangements or support for developing routes should comply with the law and balance public, business and government interests, it said.
