Vietnamese carriers intensify competition amid travel surge

(NLĐO) - The domestic aviation market has rebounded on the back of a tourism surge, prompting airlines to increase aircraft acquisitions.

Vietnamese carriers are expanding their fleets as the country's aviation and tourism markets record robust growth in the first eight months of this year.

According to data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), during the four-day National Day holiday (August 30–September 2), the sector handled more than 854,000 passengers and nearly 14,610 tonnes of cargo, up 12.6% and 10.8% year-on-year respectively.

Total operations at airports nationwide reached 8,081 takeoffs and landings, serving more than 1.22 million passengers. Key airports including Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat and Da Nang reported strong activity. Tan Son Nhat International Airport alone operated over 2,700 flights, serving 428,300 passengers and transporting 5,420 tonnes of cargo.

The domestic aviation market has rebounded on the back of a tourism surge, prompting airlines to increase aircraft acquisitions. Statistics show nearly 14 million international visitors arrived in Vietnam in the first eight months of 2025, a rise of almost 22% year-on-year. 

Competition in the aviation market is also heating up as new major players enter the scene.

T&T Group's strategic partnership with Vietravel Airlines

Four years after its maiden flight, Vietravel Airlines remains committed to its mission of connecting domestic destinations and expanding internationally. The strategic partnership with T&T Group has ushered in a new phase of growth, laying the foundation for Vietravel Airlines to pursue its ambition of becoming a leading green, professional, modern and sustainable carrier in the region.

In the first half of 2025, the airline operated 2,209 flights, transporting 400,000 passengers with a load factor of 88%, an on-time performance rate of 87% and a record of 100% safe flights, according to T&T Group.

The airline now owns three Airbus A321/A320 aircraft, marking its transition from leasing to ownership — a milestone strengthening its long-term competitiveness.

The carrier has set a target of expanding its fleet to 30–50 aircraft by 2030, extending its network across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and the Middle East. “This is not only a corporate ambition but also reflects a national aspiration as Vietnam asserts its aviation footprint on the global map,” a Vietravel Airlines representative said.

Beyond passenger services, the airline plans to expand into air cargo to meet rising logistics demand. Together with T&T Group, it is also eyeing investments in ancillary aviation services such as ground handling, warehousing, cargo loading, engineering and aerospace industries — high value-added segments that will enhance competitiveness and complete its integrated aviation ecosystem.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways accelerates after market entry

Another newcomer, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) — invested and developed by Sun Group — has just received two Airbus A321CEO aircraft.

Despite its recent debut, SPA has set ambitious goals, planning to expand its fleet to eight aircraft this year, start ticket sales in October and launch its first commercial flight in November 2025.

The airline said the simultaneous addition of two A321CEOs boosts its operational capacity and positions it to accelerate its "hub-and-spoke" network strategy, with Phu Quoc as a central hub connecting key tourism and economic destinations at home and abroad. 

This approach sets it apart from most Vietnamese airlines and aligns with the strategic vision of transforming Phu Quoc into a regional aviation and tourism hub.

Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of Sun Group, said: "Receiving two more A321CEOs marks an important step for Sun PhuQuoc Airways in building a modern fleet. It also reflects the airline's strategic vision of linking Phu Quoc with the world through modern flights, flexible pricing, high-quality services and greater accessibility for travelers to the Pearl Island."