Hanoi (VNA). Domestic airlines have been advised to develop plans in advance to resume, maintain and expand their domestic flight networks in late 2026 and 2027.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam suggested that airlines identify routes to be resumed or newly launched, as well as existing routes where flight frequencies could be increased. Carriers should set out implementation plans and timelines for the final months of 2026 and 2027, assess market demand, evaluate fleet deployment options and consider operational sustainability.
Airlines were also encouraged to report difficulties and obstacles and propose solutions related to infrastructure conditions, aviation services, coordination mechanisms with local authorities and support measures for route development.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, air transport plays an important role in strengthening connections among localities and economic regions, promoting trade, attracting investment, developing tourism and meeting people's travel needs.
In particular, resuming and developing direct domestic routes would improve access to air services and shorten travel time. It would also help use the potential and advantages of individual regions and localities, support socio-economic development and improve the efficiency of investment in aviation infrastructure.
In recent years, airports nationwide have received investment and undergone upgrades, renovation, expansion and gradual modernisation. Several aviation infrastructure projects have been completed, while others are under way. They are increasing service capacity and creating conditions for expanding flight networks and air transport operations.
To strengthen aviation's contribution to socio-economic and tourism development, improve regional connectivity and make more effective use of existing infrastructure, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam called on domestic airlines to thoroughly review their current networks and suspended routes.
Carriers were asked to study the resumption of routes with strong market potential and sufficient demand for travel, trade and tourism, provided that operating conditions are suitable. Airlines should also consider increasing frequencies on existing routes to better serve passengers and tourists.
The authority further encouraged airlines to explore new direct routes between localities, particularly those linking economic and tourism centres and key economic regions. Such connections would strengthen regional integration, reduce travel time and costs, lessen reliance on connecting flights through major airport hubs and support local socio-economic development.
In addition, airlines should coordinate proactively with airport operators and aviation service providers to prepare the conditions needed to expand operations, gradually increase passenger traffic and improve the effectiveness of aviation infrastructure investment.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam also called for closer cooperation among airlines, local authorities, airport operators, tourism and travel businesses and other stakeholders. They were encouraged to assess market demand together, promote destinations, develop tourism products, improve transport connectivity and stimulate air travel.
Carriers were encouraged to study cooperation mechanisms and appropriate support measures for route development in accordance with the law, while balancing the interests of the State, localities, businesses and the public.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam News Agency (VNA)
