The reason why Can Tho airport in southern Vietnam loses all international routes

Le Tien Dung, deputy director of the department, said the airport's infrastructure is currently capable of handling more flights, but low passenger demand has made airlines reluctant to add routes.

The department previously advised the municipal People's Council on a policy to subsidize airlines.

However, after seeking opinions, the Ministry of Finance said subsidizing airlines was not consistent with the State Budget Law, so Can Tho City did not pursue the proposal.

Dung said the planned opening of Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai City, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, would create additional competitive pressure for Can Tho, as the new airport is oriented toward operating a large number of international routes.

Can Tho, however, has an advantage in its proximity to provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, which are much closer to Can Tho than to Long Thanh.

The city currently has several favorable conditions for attracting additional air routes.

Under Circular 23 issued by the Ministry of Construction, which oversees transport in Vietnam, on pricing mechanisms and policies for civil aviation services, which took effect July 1, Can Tho airport is eligible for incentives for 24 months, including a 50-percent reduction in certain service fees such as take-off, landing, and air traffic control charges.

The Can Tho Department of Construction also plans to advise the local People's Committee to ask the state-run Airports Corporation of Vietnam, which manages civil airports across the country, to invest in a cargo terminal at the airport.

Can Tho is also planning major developments around the airport, including an aviation logistics center, an airport urban area, and a free trade zone, as potential drivers of economic growth.

However, the southern city needs to increase passenger traffic before the surrounding infrastructure can develop further, according to the department.

Building up destinations

The Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said the city currently has about 800 accommodation establishments, including three five-star hotels, eight four-star hotels, and 15 three-star hotels.

It also has about 90 travel companies and 115 tourist attractions and destinations.

In the first eight months of 2026, Can Tho welcomed about 10.5 million visitors, up 22 percent from the same period last year.

Tourism revenue approximated VND9.5 trillion (US$364 million), making tourism an important contributor to the city's economic development.

Sam Long Giang, deputy director of the department, said the sector is working with other departments and agencies to call for investment in destinations capable of attracting tourists.

"The culture, sports, and tourism sector is coordinating with departments and agencies to call for investors to develop destinations attractive enough to draw tourists," Giang said.

The city is also maintaining existing festivals and considering the organization of additional cultural and sporting events to create more tourism products.

The goal, he said, is to attract more visitors and, in turn, encourage airlines to open additional routes to Can Tho.