Vietnam aviation growth is accelerating in 2026 as new aircraft orders such as Vietjet aircraft order, expanding airlines and the opening of Long Thanh Airport reshape the country’s aviation market. The latest developments highlight the scale of the Vietnam aviation industry 2026 expansion and support the latest Vietnam passenger growth forecast.
Finance, Fleet Expansion and Lon Thanh Airport Opening
On 4 February 2026, the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub (AAFH) launched in Ho Chi Minh City during the Singapore Airshow. It aims to raise over $6.1 billion and make Vietnam a regional centre for aircraft leasing and aviation finance.
A Vietjet aircraft order for 44 Airbus A320neo family aircraft – 24 A321neos and 20 A321XLRs 0 increases its total Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered order to 137 aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in July 2026.
Vietnam Airlines is continuing its recovery after reporting more than VND 121.4 trillion in revenue in 2025, including VND 32.34 trillion ($1.3 billion) in Q4. The airline is targeting 13.2% traffic growth in 2026 and is seeking US Exim Bank financing for 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as part of its wider Vietnam aviation growth plans.
The opening of Long Thanh Airport in June 2026 is a major milestone for the Vietnam aviation industry 2026. The first phase of the project is expected to handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo each year, helping ease pressure on Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport.
A proposed extension of Metro Line 1 could connect the airport to Ho Chi Minh City via a 41.4 km link, currently in feasibility studies and seeking VND 60.2 trillion ($2.29 billion) in investment. Upgrades at Gia Binh and Phu Quoc airports are also planned, with Gia Binh targeting a long-term capacity of 30 million passengers annually by 2030.
New Airlines and Route Expansion and Passenger Growth
Vietnam’s airline market continues to grow with new carriers and routes supporting the country’s Vietnam passenger growth forecast.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways signed a support agreement with AJW Group ahead of its first international route between Phu Quoc and Taipei on March 29, 2026. Crystal Bay Airlines, launched in late 2025, plans international leisure charter flights from Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan using A321 aircraft.
The Airports Corporation of Vietnam is working to establish regular direct routes between Hue and Seoul and Busan, building on earlier charter services.
Vietnam is targeting 95 million passengers in 2026 and more than 1.6 million tonnes of cargo, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.
Traffic data highlights the scale of Vietnam aviation growth while using different metrics:
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2024 total airport traffic (all airlines): 109 million passengers
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2025 Vietnamese airline passengers: 83.5 million
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2026 forecast (Vietnamese airlines): 95 million passengers (approximately 13.7% growth)
With new aircraft, new airlines and the opening of Long Thanh Airport, the Vietnam aviation industry 2026 is entering one of its most important years of expansion. What should the industry focus on next? Share your thoughts in the comments.
