HANOI (Bernama-VNS/VNA): As Vietnam emerges from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, the air transport sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth, surpassing pre-pandemic passenger levels, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.
According to recent data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), the first quarter of 2025 saw a total of over 20.7 million passengers flying, up 9.2 per cent year-on-year.
Notably, domestic travel accounted for over nine million passengers, a rise of 5.4 per cent, while international travel surged to over 11.7 million, a robust 12.3 per cent increase.
This resurgence in air travel signifies a complete recovery for Vietnam’s aviation industry, which had been heavily impacted during the pandemic.
The figures not only reflect a return to pre-COVID activity, but also demonstrate a growth trend, with international passenger numbers increasing by 11 per cent and domestic numbers by 5.8 per cent compared to 2019 levels.
During the peak travel season for Tet, from January 14 to February 12, the market saw approximately 7.3 million passengers, up 11.7 per cent from the previous year.
Similarly, cargo transport totalled 329,000 tonnes, reflecting a 12.4 per cent increase from the same period last year. This includes over 60,000 tonnes for domestic transport, which rose by 2.8 per cent, and 269,000 tonnes for international transport, marking a significant 14.8 per cent over last year.
The CAAV has praised this growth, emphasising that it comes despite ongoing challenges, such as a shortage of aircraft among Vietnamese airlines.
Major airports, including Noi Bai, Da Nang and Tan Son Nhat, have experienced significant increases in passenger volume and cargo traffic.
The Tan Son Nhat International Airport recorded a daily high of over 1,000 flights without any congestion, ensuring smooth operations and safety. -- Bernama/VNA
