Vietnam is seeking to strengthen its position in Asia’s air cargo network as rising trade, manufacturing activity and e-commerce create growing demand for international air freight.
The country aims to expand its role as a regional logistics and cargo hub, although foreign airlines continue to dominate Vietnam’s international air freight market.
Vietnam’s strategic location in Southeast Asia gives it access to major manufacturing and consumption centres across the region. The country has also become an important production base for electronics, garments, footwear, machinery and other export-oriented industries, supporting sustained demand for air cargo services.
International airlines currently handle a significant share of Vietnam’s air freight, connecting the country with major cargo hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei and mainland China. This strong foreign presence has highlighted the need for Vietnam to develop stronger domestic air cargo capabilities and improve the competitiveness of its aviation logistics sector.
The country is therefore looking to expand airport infrastructure, improve cargo-handling capacity and strengthen connections between airports, industrial zones and logistics centres. Better road and logistics links around major airports could also help reduce cargo transit times and improve supply-chain efficiency.
Vietnam’s major international gateways, including Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, remain central to the country’s air freight network. The development of Long Thanh International Airport is also expected to provide additional capacity for international passenger and cargo operations once it becomes operational.
E-commerce is another major driver of Vietnam’s air cargo ambitions. Cross-border online trade is increasing demand for fast delivery services, while high-value and time-sensitive products such as electronics and components continue to rely heavily on air transportation.
For Vietnam, increasing its share of air cargo would provide benefits beyond the aviation sector. A stronger air freight network could support exports, attract logistics investment, improve supply-chain resilience and strengthen the country’s position in regional trade.
However, competing with established Asian cargo hubs will require continued investment in infrastructure, cargo-handling technology, logistics services and aviation connectivity. Vietnam will also need stronger cooperation between airlines, airports, freight forwarders and logistics companies to build an integrated air cargo ecosystem.
With manufacturing and export activity continuing to expand, Vietnam sees an opportunity to move beyond being primarily a cargo origin market and develop into a more important regional air logistics hub in Asia.
