Hai Phong seeks to open more flights, solve difficulties for tourism

Hai Phong and the aviation industry are looking for solutions to open new routes, remove difficulties, and turn Cat Bi airport into a driving force for tourism growth in the city.

Promoting the "symbiotic" relationship

In the development of tourism in Hai Phong, the issue of linking to remove the "bottlenecks" between aviation and tourism is raised as an urgent requirement. Faced with the situation of many narrowed flight routes and high ticket prices affecting competitiveness, Hai Phong tourism and aviation industries have sat down to find solutions to attract tourists, in the context of Cat Bi airport being invested in large-scale expansion.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee (center of photo) pledged to create the most favorable conditions, continue to improve policies and invest in upgrading destinations to serve tourists better and better. Photo: Duyen Vu.

Accordingly, at a recent conference, business representatives assessed that tourism and aviation have long been considered "companions of progress", with a close symbiotic relationship. Aviation helps connect tourists to distant destinations quickly, while tourism brings an abundant source of passengers to airlines. However, this connection is facing many challenges.

According to businesses, air transport costs currently account for more than 40% of the tour price structure. The continuous increase in airfares, especially during holidays and summer, has become a major barrier, reducing the competitiveness of destinations such as Hai Phong. Flight delays and cancellations also negatively affect the experience of tourists and the reputation of travel agencies.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee, shared that although the city's tourism industry has made impressive progress, welcoming more than 5.2 million visitors in the first 6 months of 2025, with revenue of VND 5,510 billion, since the end of 2023, the overall picture has had dark spots.

"Due to the impact of the global economic recession and the restructuring of airlines, many flights from Hai Phong to domestic and international provinces and cities have been temporarily closed. The frequency of the remaining flights has also decreased significantly," said Mr. Hung.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee shared his enthusiasm with businesses, together finding solutions to overcome difficulties, developing tourism to match its potential. Photo: Duyen Vu.

Currently, Cat Bi International Airport, an important air gateway for the entire Northern Coastal region, is operating 40-50 flights per day. However, once-expected routes such as Bangkok (Thailand) or Shenzhen (China) have been temporarily suspended, leaving much regret for the city's tourism industry.

Mr. Le Huy Truong - Deputy Director of Cat Bi International Airport, said that the airport currently maintains key domestic routes to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat, Can Tho. Internationally, there are flights to Incheon (South Korea) and some cities in China such as Lijiang, Nanning, Kunming.

Expectations from the airport "super project"

In that difficult context, Hai Phong still bets big on aviation infrastructure. The city has a rare advantage with a 5-type transportation system. Of which, Cat Bi International Airport meets 4E standards, is capable of receiving wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 787, Airbus A350 and is a strategic backup airport for Noi Bai.

New development momentum is being put into the T2 Passenger Terminal construction project, which started last August. With a designed capacity of 5 million passengers/year in phase 1, T2 Terminal will significantly increase Cat Bi's total capacity.

A representative of Vietravel Airlines shares difficulties and proposes solutions to overcome them in developing tourism associated with aviation. Photo: Dinh Muoi.

According to Mr. Le Huy Truong, when all auxiliary works such as cargo terminal (capacity 100,000 tons/year), logistics area, technical maintenance area are completed, Cat Bi International Airport can reach a capacity of up to 13 million passengers/year and 250,000 tons of cargo/year.

Despite investment in infrastructure, the number of passengers passing through the port in the first 10 months of 2025 only reached more than 2 million, a modest number compared to the potential. "In the context of strong expansion planning, close cooperation with the tourism industry is a key strategy to maximize the airport's operational efficiency," Mr. Truong emphasized.

In addition, representatives of travel agencies have also frankly raised urgent wishes. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh - Director of Saigontourist Branch in Hai Phong, proposed that Cat Bi International Airport and airlines should soon increase the frequency of current flights, especially during peak season.

A business operating in the tourism sector shares its difficulties and problems and proposes solutions to overcome them. Photo: Dinh Muoi.

"Tourists need stability in flight schedules and reasonable prices. In addition, ground services at the airport also need to be upgraded to bring a more professional and convenient experience. It is recommended that there should be closer cooperation between the government, airlines and travel agencies in building stimulus packages and promoting Hai Phong as a destination," said Ms. Thanh.

In response to these proposals, the relevant parties have made a commitment to take action. A representative of Cat Bi International Airport said that they will coordinate with the Department of Tourism and airlines to promote the reopening of old routes and research potential new routes to Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. The airport will also develop a non-aviation service ecosystem such as a tourist information center, tour counter, OCOP product area, and specialty cuisine right at the terminal.

The "handshake" between the aviation industry and businesses operating in the tourism sector this time is expected to create a real boost, turning the potential of aviation infrastructure into a strong growth driver for the tourism industry. The goal is not only to bring more tourists to Hai Phong, but also to affirm the position of the red phoenix flower city on the regional and world tourism map.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh - Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, affirmed that he will continue to accompany Hai Phong, will advise the Government on policies and mechanisms to support the opening of new flight routes, remove difficulties for businesses, and ensure a civilized and safe tourism environment.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/hai-phong-tim-cach-mo-them-duong-bay-go-kho-cho-du-lich-d785226.html