Why the Hanoi-HCMC Route Remains the World's Fourth Busiest Flight Path

The Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) route has again ranked as the world's fourth busiest flight path in 2025.

This Vietnam domestic flight boasted a total seat capacity of 11.07 million seats for the year. The figure represents a reported 4% increase in seat numbers from the previous year, according to data from an aviation intelligence firm.

Consistent Global Ranking

The Hanoi-HCMC connection has consistently held a top ten position globally for eight years. It has now maintained the fourth position for four consecutive years.

Data from the Official Airline Guide (OAG) for 2024 confirms this strong trend. The OAG report listed the route with 10.6 million seats, making it the fourth busiest domestic route worldwide. This busiest flight routes ranking highlights the strength of the Asia-Pacific aviation market.

Vietnam's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAV) refers to the 1,000-km air link as the "golden route" of the country's aviation industry.

Competition Drives Affordability

The high domestic air travel demand on the route supports intense competition. Six carriers currently operate services between the two major hubs. The main operators are Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet. Other carriers include Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines. This competition has driven down the average ticket price. The average cost of a one-way flight reportedly decreased by 11% in 2025, settling at $67.

Carriers often use wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft on this high-density sector.

Global Top Five Snapshot

The top five routes in the 2025 global flight route ranking remain largely concentrated in Asia. The top three positions are held by routes in South Korea and Japan:

• Jeju International-Seoul Gimpo (South Korea): 14.38 million seats.
• Sapporo New Chitose-Tokyo Haneda (Japan): 12 million seats.
• Fukuoka-Tokyo Haneda (Japan): 11.5 million seats.
• Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam): 11.07 million seats.

Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah-Riyadh route claimed the fifth spot with 9.8 million seats. This route dethroned Australia’s Melbourne-Sydney connection. The Jeddah-Riyadh route also reported the fastest capacity growth, increasing by 13%.

Why the Route Matters

The Hanoi-HCMC route is vital for Vietnam's economic and political connectivity. The long distance of approximately 1,200 kilometers makes air travel the preferred choice. The lack of a high-speed rail network further boosts domestic air travel demand.

• Opportunity: The consistent high demand presents strong revenue opportunities for Vietnam Airlines Vietjet and other domestic carriers.
• Challenge: Managing high-volume operations and airport slot constraints at Noi Bai International and Tan Son Nhat International remains a key operational challenge.

For more insights into the Asia-Pacific aviation market and other key developments, visit our commercial aviation news section.