Tran Xuan Cuong, deputy director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said on September 9 that the routes were being studied for the 2026-2027 period.
The department is working with relevant agencies and businesses to assess passenger demand and the feasibility of the proposed services.
Many travellers from Nghe An currently reach China by road through international border crossings or fly from Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, adding time and costs to their journeys.
Nghe An is also home to a significant number of Chinese businesses, investors, experts and workers at local economic and industrial zones, providing a potential passenger base for direct services.
Based on initial assessments, local authorities are prioritising a possible route from Vinh to either Guangzhou or Shenzhen.
The Vinh-Shenzhen route could initially operate as a charter service, targeting experts, business travellers, people visiting relatives and tourists.
Vinh International Airport underwent upgrades in 2025, including improvements to its terminal, apron and runway, increasing its capacity and service quality. Local authorities said the upgrades had made direct international services more feasible.
Nghe An Vice Chairman Hoang Phu Hien said direct flights to Guangzhou or Shenzhen could meet growing travel demand while boosting tourism, trade and investment.
Travel companies have been asked to assess market demand and the feasibility of charter services to determine the most suitable destination and flight frequency.
The province said a thorough assessment of passenger demand would help minimise risks during the initial phase and lay the groundwork for regular international services from Vinh.