Vietnamese airlines expand fleets amid summer travel surge

Vietnam Airlines, the country’s national flag carrier, announced it will lease two Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft between June 26 and mid-July, adding nearly 23,000 seats per month.

The planes will serve high-demand routes such as Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City and connections to Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang.

During the summer peak through August 16, Vietnam Airlines Group plans to operate 28,300 domestic flights, offering nearly 5.5 million seats, up five percent and three percent compared to the previous year, respectively.

The carrier will also launch new international routes including Hanoi-Amsterdam, Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket, and Ho Chi Minh City-Colombo.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a subsidiary under Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group, on Tuesday received an Airbus A320neo, expanding its fleet to 11 aircraft.

The airline expects to add 15 more Airbus A320/A321 aircraft by the end of August, bringing its fleet to 26.

The new capacity will support increased frequencies and routes from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc to destinations such as Cam Ranh, Hai Phong, Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, Incheon, and Chengdu.

Vietravel Airlines on Wednesday introduced its fourth owned aircraft, an Airbus A321 with 230 seats.

The carrier aims to add seven more aircraft in the second half of 2026.

Apart from domestic routes, Vietravel Airlines plans to launch Ho Chi Minh City-Shenzhen flights, continue Hanoi-Macau services, and operate charter flights to China.

The fleet expansion comes as global aircraft supply remains tight due to delayed deliveries, but Vietnam’s airlines are pushing ahead to capture strong tourism recovery.