The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) announced this information at its mid-year review conference on 17/7. Domestic airlines are currently operating 280 aircraft, comprising 252 fixed-wing aircraft and 28 helicopters, an increase of 18 compared to last year.
Due to the long-term shortage of Pratt & Whitney engines, 17 Airbus A321NEO aircraft remain out of service. However, the number of grounded aircraft has decreased by six compared to the same period in 2025.
The issues with Pratt & Whitney engines used on the A321, a key narrow-body aircraft for airlines globally and in Vietnam, began in 2024. Worldwide, approximately 3,500 Pratt & Whitney engines require recall for inspection and maintenance. Consequently, engine repair times have extended from a typical 90 days to between 250 and 300 days.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), by the end of Q1 this year, the situation has improved significantly. However, airlines continue to face extended repair times and a lack of spare engines. IATA also warned that maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) congestion remains a major issue for the global aviation industry.
In recent months, Vietnamese airlines have actively expanded their fleets to meet growing passenger demand and help stabilize ticket prices. Sun PhuQuoc Airways, for instance, has received its 13th aircraft and expects to take delivery of an additional 15 Airbus A320/A321 aircraft by the end of the month. This expansion will bring the airline's fleet to 26 aircraft in less than one year of operation.
CAAV data for the first half of the year shows that airlines transported 18,7 million passengers, a 0,3% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Airlines operate 54 domestic routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM) with 20 airports nationwide.
Domestic airlines served 9,6 million international passengers, an increase of 0,2%. This figure represents almost 37% of the total international passengers traveling to and from Vietnam.
Currently, Vietnamese airlines operate 109 international routes to 22 countries and territories worldwide. Meanwhile, airlines from 41 countries and territories operate 235 regular routes to Vietnam.
Anh Tu
