Ha Noi–HCMC among world's Top 10 busiest domestic routes
VGP - The air route linking Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City was ranked the fourth busiest domestic route in the world, according to a report by Noi Bai International Aport.
The over-1,000-km air route between Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City is featured among the top 10 busiest globally since 2017 and is dubbed the "golden" route by the Vietnamese aviation industry
Airport authorities noted that passenger and flight volumes have surged during the peak summer season, while safety and security standards remain strictly maintained.
In the first half of 2025, Noi Bai International Airport handled 16.5 million passengers and over 100,000 flights. Its Terminal T2, which serves international routes, welcomed more than 7 million passengers compared to its annual design capacity of 10 million.
"This results in an exceptionally high frequency of operations and significant pressure on services," said a representative of the airport.
Despite the mounting operational challenges, Noi Bai International Airport maintained an on-time performance (OTP) rate of 74 percent between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. Of the total flight delays recorded, 93.8 percent were attributed to airline operational issues, followed by weather (1.8 percent), airport-related equipment and services (0.8 percent), air traffic management (2.5 percent), and other causes (1.1 percent).
Recognizing the need to improve punctuality, the airport management authority is working closely with airlines and ground service providers to roll out a series of measures aimed at enhancing OTP.
Since February 1, 2024, the airport has implemented Phase 1 of the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) model. In the first six months of 2025, the system supported the management of 100,002 flights, optimizing runway and apron use, reducing ground waiting time, and improving flight punctuality.
The airport is also coordinating with the Air Traffic Flow Management Centre (ATFMC), airlines, and ground units to apply Level 3 Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) procedures—improving scheduling efficiency and mitigating delays caused by weather, military operations, and national events.
To address overcapacity, authorities are accelerating the expansion of Terminal T2 through a phased construction plan that allows the terminal to remain operational. The expansion, slated for completion by late 2025, is expected to ease overcrowding, improve passenger comfort, and enhance service quality.
Other ongoing initiatives include a comprehensive review of all commercial service providers to ensure service quality, transparent pricing, and professional staff conduct. The airport is also investing in passenger-friendly technologies such as biometric check-in via the VNeID platform, expanded self-service kiosks, and the ACV iCute online check-in system.
In 2025, Skytrax ranked Noi Bai International Airport among the world's Top 100 best airports, placing it at number 79—up 17 spots from the previous year.
The airport reiterated its commitment to working closely with all aviation stakeholders to further improve operational efficiency and passenger experience./.
