The World Coffee Museum in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province.
This information was highlighted in an in-depth report on short-haul air transport in Vietnam, published in Hanoi on March 12.
The report outlines Vietnam's growth opportunities. Short-haul aviation offers a fresh and convenient travel alternative while using existing transport infrastructure.
Jean-Pierre Clercin, Asia-Pacific Regional Director of ATR, a leading manufacturer of short-haul aircraft, stated that short-haul aviation uses small aircraft with fewer than 80 seats on routes under 550 km and less than one-hour flight durations.
Short-haul air transport in Vietnam remains largely undeveloped. Currently, most domestic routes under 550 km are either unserved or operated by larger aircraft, which are not optimally efficient for short-haul flights.
Vietnam's short-haul air transport market has significant potential. It complements road transport, improves mobility, strengthens networks among smaller cities, and ensures more localities benefit from economic growth.
Additionally, short-haul aviation optimises the use of existing regional airports.
Jean-Pierre Clercin share about the potentials of Vietnam's short-haul air transport market.
According to Jean-Pierre Clercin, 90 percent of Vietnam's domestic air traffic is concentrated at just 10 of the country's 22 airports, leaving many local airports underutilised. Meanwhile, 25 percent of domestic routes are under 550 km, indicating a strong presence of short-haul flight potential.
Domestic air transport in Vietnam is projected to grow over 20 percent between 2023 and 2027, bringing the average number of flights per capita closer to that of neighbouring countries.
Short-haul air transport will provide better travel options for the public. New routes could link less-connected localities and increase frequencies on low-traffic routes such as Van Don-Dong Hoi, Buon Ma Thuot-Ca Mau, Dien Bien-Van Don, Cat Bi-Phu Bai, and Sa Pa-Van Don.
Transport Engineering Design Incorporated (TEDI) research has identified 149 domestic routes within a 555 km range.
Findings show that 87 of these routes have high traffic potential but remain unserved. Operating these routes would require a 25 ATR 72-600 aircraft fleet.
The report also provides a clear roadmap for airlines and policymakers to develop strategic short-haul aviation services and capitalise on this market potential.
According to Vietnam's master plan for airport system development from 2021 to 2030, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are expected to have dedicated domestic airports.
If measured from these two domestic airports, half of Vietnam's airports would fall within the 550 km range, making them suitable for short-haul routes.
Hoang Hanh, an expert from TEDI, stated that among the 87 potential routes, 19 have an annual capacity exceeding 100,000 passengers, while another 19 have capacities between 50,000 and 100,000 passengers.
These routes connect to areas with limited air connectivity and underutilised airports, such as Dak Lak, Thanh Hoa, Ca Mau, Quang Binh, Gia Lai, Hue, and Quang Tri.
The report also highlights the significant economic and social impacts of short-haul aviation. A 10 percent increase in short-haul flights is expected to boost local tourism by 5 percent, increase local GDP by 6 percent, and raise foreign direct investment by 8 percent.
