Industry insiders propose solutions to revive int'l flights at Vietnam’s Can Tho airport

Duong Hoang Phuc, commercial director of Vietravel Airlines, outlined four main reasons involving passenger imbalance, destination choice, competition from Ho Chi Minh City, and limited tourism products.

First, most passengers using international flights from Can Tho are outbound Vietnamese travelers, while the number of foreign visitors flying directly into this Mekong Delta city remains minimal.

"The imbalance is roughly 95 percent outbound Vietnamese passengers and only five percent inbound international travelers," Phuc said.

Second, most international visitors to Vietnam do not choose Can Tho as their first destination.

Travelers from Northeast Asia and Europe, who typically spend 10 days or more in the country, rarely begin their trips in the Mekong Delta, limiting the city's tourism revenue.

Third, improved transport infrastructure has made traveling to Ho Chi Minh City easier.

Since the expressway connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho opened, residents from Can Tho can reach Tan Son Nhat International Airport in around three hours, where they have access to a much wider range of international flights.

"For example, travelers heading to Thailand’s Bangkok can choose from around 24 flights departing from Ho Chi Minh City," Phuc said.

Fourth, Can Tho lacks distinctive attractions that encourage repeat visits.

Phuc emphasized that developing Can Tho as a destination is crucial.

He suggested broader visa exemptions beyond Southeast Asia, stronger local government support for tourism businesses, and sustained promotion campaigns.

Associate Professor Dao Ngoc Canh of Nam Can Tho University agreed that reopening international air routes is necessary.

He said many Vietnamese travelers remain accustomed to flying from Ho Chi Minh City.

Canh argued that Can Tho must change perceptions and encourage people to choose its airport.

He proposed organizing international-scale events to attract overseas visitors.

He pointed to Da Nang's success in hosting the annual International Fireworks Festival and other cultural events, suggesting Can Tho should develop signature international festivals in cooperation with countries across the region and the world.

The city should capitalize on its existing strengths, including universities and educational institutions.

"We have good infrastructure, educational facilities, and human resources. International conferences, academic exchanges, and university partnerships can become another channel for attracting international visitors to Can Tho," Canh said.