Vietnam Domestic Flights & Airlines

A quick glance

The air travel market in Vietnam has now expanded to include several key players. The biggest and most influential one is still Vietnam Airlines, a state-owned airline corporation, which currently accounts for approximately 45% of domestic market share. Following closely are the two major private airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways, which focus primarily on the low-cost air travel segment. Additionally, smaller carriers like Vasco and a rebranded Jetstar Pacific, now operating under the name Pacific Airlines, provide less frequent services.

Domestic flights in Vietnam continue to rise in both the number of routes and frequency. The most frequently flown routes are between major cities, particularly those with larger airports such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Direct flights are also readily available, although less frequently, to popular tourist destinations including Dien Bien, Nha Trang, Hai Phong, and Dalat.

Vasco primarily operates flights to southern islands such as Con Dao and Phu Quoc.

As of 2025, Vietjet is now a significant rival to Vietnam Airlines regarding flight routes and passenger count.

Vietnam's most popular domestic routes:

• Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi: over 35 daily flights back and forth, operated by Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air. A one-way ticket is around $60.
• Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang/Hanoi - Da Nang: daily flights by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Pacific Airlines. A one-way ticket is around $75.
• Hanoi - Phu Quoc: flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. A one-way ticket is about $90.
• Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang: flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. A one-way ticket is about $50.
• Ho Chi Minh City - Phu Quoc: flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines. A one-way ticket is about $60.

Vietnam's domestic airlines

Here's an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the major players in Vietnam's aviation industry as of 2025.

Vietnam Airlines

Photo by Rebius

Established in 1956, Vietnam Airlines remains the largest airline in Vietnam, internationally recognized for delivering high standards of service and customer care. The airline currently operates around 50 domestic routes connecting 20 provinces and cities throughout the nation and serves 45 destinations worldwide spanning Asia, Australia, and North America.

Vietnam Airlines Aircrafts: Boeing 787, Airbus A350, Airbus A330, Airbus A321

Domestic flights include key locations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Buon Me Thuot, Can Tho, Chu Lai, Con Dao Island, Dalat, Dien Bien, Dong Hoi, Hue, Pleiku, Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa, and Vinh.

International flights cover major cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, New York, Singapore, and Australia, among others. Vietnam Airlines provides extensive international routes to key airports across North-East Asia, South East Asia, Indochina, Europe, Australia, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Pros: Vietnam Airlines has a continuously growing network serving numerous business and leisure destinations globally. With minimal flight cancellations, passengers can expect a high level of service excellence and professionalism.

Cons: Generally higher fares compared to low-cost carriers.

Vietjet Air

Photo by Markus Mainka

As the first private airline in Vietnam, Vietjet Air ranks second and boasts one of the most advanced aircraft fleets in the region. This award-winning carrier primarily offers economical flights across domestic and various international destinations. Founded in 2007, Vietjet now operates 60 aircraft, with plans to expand its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2025.

Vietjet Air Aircrafts: Airbus A320, Airbus A321

Domestic destinations include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, Chu Lai, Dalat, Danang, Dong Hoi, Hai Phong, Hue, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Quy Nhon, Thanh Hoa, Tuy Hoa, Van Don, and Vinh.

International flights reach Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Busan, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Mumbai, Seoul, Siem Reap, Singapore, and others.

Pros: Vietjet Air is known as the leading budget carrier in Vietnam, with competitive fares and attractive promotions. It offers both scheduled and charter services for passengers and cargo.

Cons: Flight delays and cancellations can be quite frequent.

Bamboo Airways

Photo by Jeffry Surianto

As one of the newest carriers in the market, Bamboo Airways has quickly established itself as a dynamic player in the aviation industry. In just a short span of operation, it has grown its fleet to 30 aircraft, while primarily focusing on domestic flights, and has begun to expand into international destinations across Asia and Europe.

Bamboo Airways Aircrafts: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Airbus A321Neo

Domestic flights cover key cities like Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, Chu Lai, Dalat, Danang, Dong Hoi, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hue, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Thanh Hoa, Tuy Hoa, Van Don, and Vinh.

International destinations include Kaohsiung, Prague, Seoul, and Taipei.

Pros: Bamboo Airways operates a modern fleet with a focus on punctuality. The airline also offers affordable ticket prices and regular promotions.

Cons: The network of flight routes is still limited.

Pacific Airlines

Photo by Huy Thoai

Originally founded in 1991 as Jetstar Pacific, the airline was rebranded as Pacific Airlines and is now a subsidiary of the Vietnam Airlines Group. Known for delivering budget-friendly flight options, Pacific Airlines operates over 20 aircraft and connects more than 50 important international airports in Asia, Australia, and North America.

Pacific Airlines Aircrafts: Boeing B737-400, Airbus A320, and Airbus A321.

Domestic flights connect Buon Ma Thuot, Chu Lai, Dalat, Danang, Dong Hoi, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Quy Nhon, Thanh Hoa, Tuy Hoa, and Vinh.

International flights reach Phnom Penh, Changsha, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Brisbane, Penang, Yangon, Honolulu, and more.

Pros: Pacific Airlines has a significant footprint in the market, catering to budget-conscious travelers while maintaining service quality.

Cons: Flights may face delays or cancellations, often without prior notice.

In addition to these four major airlines, Vietnam also features several private carriers like Hai Au Aviation, known for its seaplane services, which offers direct flights from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to Halong Bay with scenic sightseeing tours. Vasco uses smaller aircraft to connect to Con Dao, Phu Quoc Islands, and other southern regions in Vietnam.

How to reserve and book your air ticket

To book tickets for your flights, you can either make online reservations through the airlines' official websites or contact a travel agency upon your arrival in Vietnam. Whether booking online or via phone, you can check flight schedules and ticket prices. Generally, domestic flight prices vary little between agencies, but booking in advance can secure better deals.

Most air tickets are now issued electronically, delivered to your email. Ensure that all details on the ticket, including your name and flight date, are accurate to avoid any potential issues.