Authorities in Can Tho have begun working with airlines to explore ways of reviving suspended flight routes, increasing passenger demand and improving connectivity for tourism, trade and investment.
Can Tho International Airport currently has no international routes in operation (Photo: Hong Nhung)
At a meeting on August 21, city officials and aviation businesses discussed plans to develop passenger aviation, cargo transport and commercial links in the Mekong Delta hub.
Representatives of low-cost carrier Vietjet said the airline had previously operated 10 routes serving Can Tho, including eight domestic services and two international routes to Taipei and Incheon.
The carrier currently operates four domestic routes linking Can Tho with Hanoi, Danang, Haiphong and Vinh. Services to Thanh Hoa, Nha Trang, Dalat and Van Don, along with the international routes, have been suspended.
Vietjet said it is studying the possibility of restoring the Thanh Hoa route, with an initial schedule of around three flights a week, alternating with services to Vinh.
Le Tien Dung, deputy director of Can Tho's Department of Construction, said airport infrastructure generally meets operational requirements, but passenger demand remains the sector's biggest challenge.
Can Tho International Airport covers approximately 268 hectares and features one runway and six aircraft parking positions, meeting Category 4E international standards. However, the airport does not yet have a dedicated cargo terminal, limiting opportunities to develop air logistics despite the region's strengths in agricultural and seafood exports.
Concluding the meeting, Le Cong Ly, standing vice-chair of the Can Tho People's Committee, described the restoration of the Thanh Hoa route as the most viable option for this year and said the city was ready to support airlines in overcoming operational challenges.
Le Cong Ly, standing vice chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, meets businesses to find ways to revive international routes (Photo: Hong Nhung)
Can Tho has also called for studies into restoring routes to Nha Trang and Dalat, potentially on a seasonal basis, while international services to Taipei and Incheon could be considered for relaunch around the Lunar New Year holiday period.
City officials believe that new investment projects, industrial zones and labour demand from northern provinces will help generate additional passenger traffic, creating a sufficiently large market for airlines to maintain and expand operations.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Can Tho welcomed approximately 10.5 million visitors in the first eight months of the year, up 22 per cent year-on-year. Tourism revenue reached around VND 9.3 trillion (USD 355 million).
