Vietnam Airlines Collaborates with Top Carriers to Propel Tourism Growth as Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat Airports Expand

Vietnam’s tourism sector is set to soar as the country witnesses remarkable growth in travel. With the much-anticipated opening of Long Thanh International Airport and the expansion of services at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, major airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines, are ramping up flights and routes to cater to increasing demand from key markets such as China, South Korea, the USA, Japan, India, and the Philippines. This surge in airline connectivity is leading to record international arrivals, thereby enhancing hotel occupancy rates and hospitality revenues, while establishing cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc as must-visit global destinations in 2026.

The expansion of airline services is driving unprecedented tourism growth across Vietnam, reflected in record numbers for international arrivals and a robust recovery for the airline and hospitality industries. Vietnam is firmly positioning itself as a central hub for global travel.

Understanding the Factors Behind Tourism Growth

The transformation of inbound travel demand is largely attributed to significant investments in airport infrastructure, exemplified by Long Thanh International Airport. This new hub is expected to alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat and establish itself as a pivotal point for international flights throughout Asia and beyond, a critical component of Vietnam’s broader aviation strategy.

With the relaxation of travel restrictions, streamlined visa processes, and advanced electronic entry systems, Vietnam has become increasingly accessible to global travelers. The strong airline interest in expanding operational capacities is paving the way for a sustained tourism boom.

In 2025, Vietnam’s aviation sector serviced over 83 million passengers, with nearly half representing international travelers, underscoring the interconnectedness of aviation and tourism growth.

Key Airlines and Regional Impacts

Global and regional airlines are quickly adapting to Vietnam’s emerging status as a premier travel destination. Here are some highlights:

• Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways — Increasing the frequency of flights and routes to satisfy demand from visitors coming from China, South Korea, Japan, India, and North America.
• Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and Emirates — Enhancing service frequencies to align with infrastructure projects like the Long Thanh–Ho Tram expressway and improved transport connectivity.
• Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways — Sustaining substantial operations into Vietnam to facilitate travel from Europe and the Middle East.

Markets like China and South Korea lead the charge for international visitors, while new routes from the USA, Japan, India, Taiwan, and Australia are being evaluated to capture the growing interest in leisure and business travel.

The Effects on Passengers and the Tourism Landscape

The rise in international travel is bringing tangible benefits to passengers and the broader tourism ecosystem:

• Record visitors — Vietnam welcomed over 19.1 million international tourists in just the first 11 months of 2025.
• Positive 2026 trends — Early indicators show 8.8 million international arrivals in the first four months of 2026, marking a 15% increase compared to the same time in 2025.
• Visitor segmentation — Approximately 85% of international visitors are arriving by air, highlighting how vital airline connectivity is to tourism growth.
• Heightened demand for hospitality — Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc are witnessing an upswing in hotel occupancy, particularly during peak travel periods.

This influx of travelers is reshaping passenger experiences, prompting airlines to enhance their schedules and airports to prepare for peak tourism seasons effectively.

Response from the Airline Industry

In light of Vietnam’s rapid growth in tourism, airlines and the aviation sector as a whole are proactively responding:

• Service and route expansions — Carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Korean Air are enhancing their flight frequencies from primary source markets.
• Strategic hub alignments — Airlines are synchronizing operations with upgrades at Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat airports to enhance connectivity throughout Asia.
• Improving passenger experience — Developments in immigration procedures, digital arrival systems, and overall service enhancements aim to make travel more seamless and enjoyable.

Tips for Travelers

As travel to Vietnam gains momentum, here are essential tips for prospective visitors:

• Verify flight details early: With constant changes in schedules and new routes, it’s crucial to confirm your flight details ahead of departure.
• Understand visa requirements: Ensure your travel documents align with Vietnam’s entry rules.
• Book tickets in advance: Routes from China, South Korea, the USA, Japan, and India may fill up quickly, especially during popular holiday seasons.
• Explore various airport options: Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc provide different entry points—make sure to choose the best fit for your travel plans.
• Stay updated on airport developments: Keep an eye on communications from airlines and airports for the latest information.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s tourism sector is experiencing an exhilarating growth phase, thanks to improved infrastructure and heightened airline operations. With Long Thanh International Airport on the horizon and major airlines stepping up their game, the country’s allure as a travel destination is set to expand dramatically in the coming years.

Source: The post Vietnam Airlines joins Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Korean Air to drive a mega tourism surge as Vietnam’s Long Thanh Hub and Tan Son Nhat Expansion Attract Visitors from China, South Korea, the USA, Japan, India, & Philippines to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Phu Quoc first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.

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