Vietnam sees 15.4% rise in international air passenger traffic in H1 2026

Vietnam's civil aviation authority reports that international passenger traffic through the country's airports grew 15.4% year‑on‑year in the first half of 2026, reaching 26.2 million travelers. Domestic carriers handled 9.6 million of those passengers, a modest 0.2% increase, while foreign airlines operated 235 regular routes to Vietnam from 41 countries and territories.

Air cargo also expanded, with 706,700 tonnes shipped internationally, up 21.3% from the previous year. The authority warned that higher traffic levels are creating operational challenges, including weather extremes, unmanned aerial vehicle activity, wildlife hazards and the need for more highly‑trained staff and stronger safety‑management systems.

The data underscore Vietnam's continued integration into global air networks, linking the nation with 22 overseas destinations and supporting the broader recovery of its tourism and trade sectors.