International airports are aviation hubs that operate direct flights between Vietnam and other countries around the world. These airports are fully equipped with immigration, customs, and quarantine facilities, enabling them to serve international travelers safely and efficiently. They play a vital role in connecting Vietnam to the global economy, supporting tourism, trade, and international cooperation.
Currently, Vietnam has 11 international airports in operation, strategically distributed across the northern, central, and southern regions of the country.
1. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – The Premier Airport in Vietnam’s Northern Gateway
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is widely regarded as the most important airport in Vietnam’s northern region and serves as the principal aviation gateway to Hanoi, the nation’s political, cultural, and historical capital. Located in Soc Son District, approximately 35 kilometers northwest of central Hanoi, this airport in Vietnam plays a crucial role in connecting northern provinces with the rest of the country and with major international destinations across Asia and Europe.
As one of the three busiest airports in Vietnam—alongside Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang International Airport in central Vietnam—Noi Bai has become a strategic hub for domestic travel, international tourism, diplomatic travel, and global business connections. Its continuous modernization reflects Vietnam’s broader efforts to elevate aviation standards to international levels.
Strategic Location and Regional Importance
Noi Bai International Airport occupies a vital geographical position within Vietnam’s aviation network. Serving Hanoi and the Red River Delta region, this airport in Vietnam functions as the main northern air gateway for government officials, international delegations, foreign investors, and tourists.
The airport is connected to central Hanoi via major transportation routes such as Vo Nguyen Giap Highway and Nhat Tan Bridge, significantly reducing travel time between the airport and the city center. This improved connectivity has enhanced Noi Bai’s competitiveness among regional airports in Southeast Asia and strengthened Hanoi’s appeal as an international destination.
For travelers arriving in northern Vietnam, Noi Bai International Airport is often the first impression of the country, making its operational efficiency and service quality especially important.
Terminal Infrastructure and Passenger Capacity
Noi Bai International Airport currently operates two modern passenger terminals designed to handle both domestic and international travel efficiently:
- Terminal T1 serves domestic flights, connecting Hanoi with major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Hue, and Phu Quoc.
- Terminal T2 is dedicated to international arrivals and departures and represents one of the most modern terminal facilities among any airport in Vietnam.
Together, these terminals provide Noi Bai with an annual designed capacity of approximately 25 million passengers. In recent years, passenger numbers have approached or exceeded this threshold, highlighting the airport’s growing importance within Vietnam’s expanding aviation market.
Terminal T2, in particular, has been praised for its spacious layout, natural lighting, modern check-in systems, and improved passenger flow. These features contribute to smoother transit experiences and place Noi Bai among the most efficient airport in Vietnam facilities.
International Recognition and Service Standards
Noi Bai International Airport has received multiple international accolades, most notably being listed several times in SKYTRAX’s Top 100 Best Airports in the World. This recognition reflects ongoing improvements in terminal design, passenger comfort, security procedures, and customer service.
Compared to earlier generations of airport in Vietnam infrastructure, Noi Bai demonstrates a clear shift toward international best practices. Enhanced signage in multiple languages, streamlined immigration processes, and upgraded retail and dining options have significantly improved the overall travel experience.
These advancements have positioned Noi Bai as a competitive alternative to regional hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, particularly for travelers flying into northern Vietnam.
Runways and Aircraft Handling Capabilities
One of Noi Bai International Airport’s greatest strengths lies in its advanced airside infrastructure. The airport operates two parallel runways, with lengths reaching up to 3,800 meters, allowing it to accommodate nearly all modern commercial aircraft.
This runway capacity enables Noi Bai to handle wide-body and long-haul aircraft such as:
- Airbus A350
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Boeing 777
- Airbus A330
The ability to serve these aircraft types is a defining feature of a major airport in Vietnam, supporting long-distance routes to Europe and Northeast Asia. The airport’s advanced navigation and air traffic control systems also ensure safe and efficient operations under varying weather conditions.
Domestic and International Route Network
Noi Bai International Airport offers one of the most extensive route networks among all airports in Vietnam. Domestically, it serves as the northern hub for flights connecting Hanoi with nearly every major city in the country. High-frequency routes link Noi Bai with Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Can Tho, and other regional centers.
On the international front, this airport in Vietnam connects Hanoi with key global markets. Frequent services operate to major cities in:
- South Korea and Japan
- China and Taiwan
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia)
- Europe, including Paris and Frankfurt
These long-haul connections are particularly important for diplomatic travel, international trade, and tourism development. For many European travelers, Noi Bai International Airport is the primary entry point into Vietnam.
Airlines Operating at Noi Bai
Noi Bai International Airport hosts a wide range of domestic and international airlines. Vietnamese carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines operate extensive domestic and regional services from this airport in Vietnam.
International carriers from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East also maintain regular operations at Noi Bai, reflecting Hanoi’s growing importance as a regional aviation hub. The diversity of airlines enhances route competition and provides passengers with a wide range of pricing and service options.
Role in Vietnam’s Aviation Development
As a leading airport in Vietnam, Noi Bai plays a central role in shaping the country’s aviation growth strategy. It functions as the northern counterpart to Tan Son Nhat Airport, balancing passenger flows and supporting regional economic development.
The airport also supports air cargo operations, facilitating trade and logistics for northern industrial zones. This dual role in passenger and cargo transport strengthens Vietnam’s integration into global supply chains.
Future expansion plans aim to increase capacity, improve terminal efficiency, and enhance ground transportation links, ensuring that Noi Bai remains a competitive airport in Vietnam for decades to come.
Passenger Amenities and Experience
Noi Bai International Airport offers a growing range of passenger services, including:
- Duty-free shopping and international retail brands
- Vietnamese and international restaurants
- Airline lounges and business facilities
- Currency exchange and banking services
- Airport shuttle buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services
These amenities contribute to a more comfortable and convenient travel experience, especially for long-haul passengers using this airport in Vietnam as a transit or arrival point.
2. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – The Gateway Airport in Vietnam’s Economic Capital
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is widely recognized as the most significant airport in Vietnam, serving as the primary aviation gateway to Ho Chi Minh City—the country’s largest economic, financial, and cultural center. Located approximately 8 kilometers north of District 1, the city’s downtown core, Tan Son Nhat Airport plays an irreplaceable role in connecting southern Vietnam with the rest of the country and the world.
As the busiest airport in Vietnam by passenger volume, Tan Son Nhat consistently handles the highest number of domestic and international flights nationwide. Its strategic position, combined with Ho Chi Minh City’s role as a regional business hub, has made this airport in Vietnam a vital link for tourism, trade, foreign investment, and logistics.
Strategic Location and Urban Connectivity
One of the defining characteristics of Tan Son Nhat International Airport is its close proximity to the city center. Unlike many major international airports that are located far outside urban areas, this airport in Vietnam sits within the dense metropolitan area of Ho Chi Minh City. This location offers convenience for travelers but also presents challenges related to traffic congestion and infrastructure expansion.
Tan Son Nhat Airport is directly connected to major arterial roads such as Truong Son Street, Cong Hoa Street, and Nguyen Van Troi Street. These routes link the airport to central districts, industrial zones, and key business areas. For international visitors, Tan Son Nhat is often the first point of contact with Vietnam, shaping their initial impression of the country’s aviation standards and service quality.
Terminal System and Passenger Capacity
Tan Son Nhat International Airport currently operates two main passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1 (T1): Dedicated primarily to domestic flights, serving routes between Ho Chi Minh City and other major cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Can Tho.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Designed for international flights, accommodating passengers traveling to and from destinations across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
Together, these terminals give the airport in Vietnam a designed capacity of over 30 million passengers per year. However, in recent years, actual passenger numbers have frequently exceeded this figure, placing significant pressure on infrastructure, operations, and passenger services.
Despite these constraints, Tan Son Nhat Airport continues to function as Vietnam’s most important aviation hub, demonstrating remarkable operational resilience amid rapid growth in air travel demand.
Airlines and International Connectivity
Tan Son Nhat International Airport hosts a diverse mix of domestic and international airlines. Major Vietnamese carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines operate extensive networks from this airport in Vietnam, covering nearly all domestic routes.
On the international front, dozens of global airlines maintain regular services to Tan Son Nhat, including carriers from:
- Northeast Asia (Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan)
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
- Europe (France, Germany, United Kingdom, Russia)
- Australia and New Zealand
- The Middle East
Thanks to this extensive route network, Tan Son Nhat Airport serves as a key transfer point for travelers moving between Southeast Asia and long-haul destinations. For many international passengers, this airport in Vietnam acts as a gateway not only to Ho Chi Minh City but also to the broader Mekong Delta and southern provinces.
Aircraft Handling and Technical Capabilities
As the largest airport in Vietnam, Tan Son Nhat is fully equipped to handle a wide range of aircraft types, including modern wide-body and long-haul jets. The airport regularly accommodates advanced aircraft such as:
- Airbus A350
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Airbus A330
- Boeing 777
- Airbus A380 (on selected routes)
The presence of these aircraft reflects the airport’s ability to support high-capacity international flights and long-distance operations. Tan Son Nhat’s runways, aprons, and ground handling facilities meet international aviation standards, allowing airlines to maintain reliable and efficient services.
Role in Vietnam’s Aviation Network
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is not only the busiest airport in Vietnam but also the most influential in shaping the country’s aviation network. It serves as the primary southern hub, complementing Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Da Nang International Airport in central Vietnam.
This airport in Vietnam plays a crucial role in:
- Domestic passenger distribution between regions
- International tourism inflows
- Air cargo and express logistics
- Business travel and foreign investment connectivity
For airlines, operating at Tan Son Nhat is essential for accessing Vietnam’s largest consumer market and strongest economic region. For passengers, it remains the most convenient and versatile airport in Vietnam for both domestic and international travel.
Challenges of Capacity and Urban Constraints
Despite its importance, Tan Son Nhat International Airport faces significant challenges related to limited land availability and urban encroachment. Being surrounded by residential and commercial developments, the airport has little room for large-scale expansion.
As passenger demand continues to grow, congestion during peak hours has become a persistent issue. Long queues, limited parking space, and traffic congestion around the airport are common concerns for travelers using this airport in Vietnam.
To address these challenges, authorities have implemented various short-term improvements, such as terminal renovations, apron expansions, and traffic flow optimization. However, these measures are widely seen as temporary solutions rather than long-term fixes.
Relationship with Long Thanh International Airport
The future development of Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure is closely tied to the construction of Long Thanh International Airport, located approximately 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City. Once operational, Long Thanh is expected to gradually relieve pressure on Tan Son Nhat Airport.
In this new aviation landscape, Tan Son Nhat is likely to retain its role as a major domestic and regional airport in Vietnam, while Long Thanh handles the bulk of long-haul international traffic. This dual-airport system mirrors models seen in other major global cities.
Until Long Thanh becomes fully operational, Tan Son Nhat International Airport will remain the most critical airport in Vietnam, carrying the majority of passenger traffic and maintaining its status as the nation’s primary aviation gateway.
Passenger Experience and Services
Despite capacity limitations, Tan Son Nhat Airport continues to upgrade its passenger services. The airport offers a range of amenities, including:
- Duty-free shopping
- Restaurants and cafés
- Airport lounges
- Currency exchange and banking services
- Transportation options such as taxis, ride-hailing, and airport buses
For international travelers, this airport in Vietnam provides essential services to ensure a smooth arrival and departure experience, even during peak travel periods.
3. Cat Bi International Airport (HPH)
Cat Bi International Airport is located in Hai An District, roughly 8 kilometers from Hai Phong city center. It acts as a key air gateway for Hai Phong and the northern coastal region.
With modern infrastructure and dual runways, Cat Bi serves both domestic and international flights. In addition to linking Hai Phong with major Vietnamese cities, the airport also operates international routes to destinations in Northeast and Southeast Asia.
Cat Bi plays a secondary strategic role as an alternative airport to Noi Bai during peak periods or emergency situations.
4. Van Don International Airport (VDO)
Van Don International Airport, located in Quang Ninh Province, is Vietnam’s first privately developed international airport. Positioned near Ha Long Bay, it holds strategic importance for tourism and international trade in northern Vietnam.
The airport features a modern terminal with a clear separation between arrival and departure areas, premium lounges, and advanced security systems. Van Don has received multiple international awards for service quality and passenger experience.
From Van Don, travelers can access both domestic routes and selected international destinations in East Asia.
5. Vinh International Airport (VII)
Vinh International Airport is located about 8 kilometers north of Vinh City in Nghe An Province. It serves as the main air transport hub for the North Central region.
The airport primarily handles domestic flights but has the infrastructure necessary for international operations. Following recent upgrades, Vinh International Airport is expected to expand its role in regional connectivity once operations fully resume.
6. Phu Bai International Airport (HUI)
Phu Bai International Airport lies approximately 13 kilometers from Hue city center and functions as the main air gateway to Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
The airport features a newly built terminal inspired by traditional Hue architecture. With increased capacity and upgraded facilities, Phu Bai now supports both domestic routes and international services connecting Hue with major Asian cities.
7. Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Located just 3 kilometers from downtown Da Nang, this airport is the third-largest airport in Vietnam and a central aviation hub for the central region.
Da Nang International Airport operates separate domestic and international terminals and serves millions of passengers annually. It has received international accolades, including a 4-star SKYTRAX rating for its international terminal.
The airport connects Da Nang with major cities across Vietnam, Asia, and long-haul destinations through regional transit hubs.
8. Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI)
Lien Khuong International Airport is located in Duc Trong District, about 28 kilometers south of Da Lat. It is the largest airport in the Central Highlands region.
The airport’s design reflects the natural and cultural identity of Da Lat. In addition to domestic routes, Lien Khuong operates international flights to selected destinations in Asia, supporting tourism growth in Lam Dong Province.
9. Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)
Cam Ranh International Airport is situated near Nha Trang, one of Vietnam’s most popular coastal destinations. It is among the country’s busiest airports for international tourism.
With a modern international terminal and high service standards, Cam Ranh has consistently ranked among the cleanest and most efficient airports worldwide. International passengers account for a significant share of total traffic, particularly from Northeast Asia and Russia.
10. Can Tho International Airport (VCA)
Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho International Airport serves as a major regional hub for southern Vietnam.
The airport is capable of handling large aircraft and supports both domestic flights and charter international services. It plays an important role in improving accessibility to the Mekong Delta for tourists and business travelers.
11. Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)
Phu Quoc International Airport is located approximately 10 kilometers from Duong Dong town and serves Vietnam’s largest island destination.
Equipped with a long runway and modern facilities, the airport accommodates both domestic and international flights, connecting Phu Quoc with major Asian cities. It also contributes significantly to tourism development and maritime security in southern Vietnam.
