Vietnam's strong aviation growth is creating a significant attraction for international airlines. Many international airlines consider Vietnam not only a tourist destination but also an important transit hub in the region.

Ms. Kyoung Hee Kang, Korean Air's Country Manager in Vietnam, stated that Vietnam is the airline's most serviced market in Southeast Asia.

In the first six months of the year, the airline transported nearly 375,000 passengers between the two countries, an increase of 4% over the same period last year. Currently, Korean Air has 5 destinations in Vietnam connecting to Korea, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc.

The airline also plans to expand its flight network to new destinations in Vietnam such as Quy Nhon, Hue, or Da Lat. 

"The opening of regular routes will be carefully evaluated based on actual demand and infrastructure capacity," said Ms. Kang.

Currently, South Korea is Vietnam's second-largest international tourist market, accounting for 3.2 million visitors out of a total of 15.4 million international arrivals to Vietnam in the first 9 months of 2025.

Ms. Kang noted that South Korea is also one of the largest foreign direct investors in Vietnam. Therefore, for Korean Air, Vietnam is not only a potential market but also a crucial connectivity hub in the airline's development strategy in Southeast Asia.

Sharing more about the Long Thanh airport project, she said the airline is closely monitoring its progress as it is a key government project, expected to become a leading logistics and aviation hub in the region.

Mr. Mun Man Sim, Korean Air's Airport Manager in Ho Chi Minh City, said he had previously surveyed Long Thanh airport. He believes that this airport shares many similarities with Korea's Incheon Airport and will make significant contributions to the vibrancy of Vietnam's aviation market in the future.

Meanwhile, according to Emirates SkyCargo, Vietnam is emerging as a potential market within the region's cargo transportation network. In the fiscal year 2024-2025, Emirates SkyCargo transported 13,873 tons of general cargo from Vietnam, supported by 3 dedicated weekly cargo flights to Hanoi.

Mr. Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President Cargo Far East & Australasia, Emirates SkyCargo, stated: "East Asia and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, are not only anchors of our global network but are also shaping the future of global logistics and trade. From advanced manufacturing centers to rapidly growing consumer markets, this region is leading the pace of international commerce."

Source: VnEconomy