Vietnam Air Cargo Market Size & Growth Rate
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Vietnam Air Cargo Market was valued at USD 1,421 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5,244.3 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of approximately 20.5% during the forecast period 2026–2032.
Vietnam Air Cargo Market Highlights
| Report Metric | Details |
| Report Name | Vietnam Air Cargo Market (2026-2032) |
| Market Size 2025 | USD 1,421 Million |
| Market Size 2032 | USD 5,244.3 Million |
| Absolute Growth 2025–2032 | USD 3,823.3 Million |
| CAGR 2026–2032 | 20.50% |
| Peak Annual Growth | 22.6% in 2028 |
| Forecast Period | 2026–2032 |
| Historical Data | 2022–2025 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Leading Services, 2025 | Air Freight (47% share) |
| Fastest-Growing Services | Air Freight Forwarding (23.4% CAGR) |
| Leading Mode of Shipping, 2025 | Standard (41% share) |
| Fastest-Growing Mode of Shipping | Express (24.1% CAGR) |
| Growing Sector | Export-oriented electronics logistics and cross-border parcel delivery |
| Key End Users or Key Procuring Entities | Electronics manufacturers, garment and footwear exporters, online sellers, pharmaceutical distributors, perishable goods exporters, freight forwarders and postal operators |
Vietnam Air Cargo Market Year-wise Growth Rate and Key Drivers (2022–2032)
This graph illustrates the annual growth rates of the Vietnam Air Cargo Market from 2022 to 2032, highlighting a steady upward trajectory and projected market expansion over the forecast period.
| Year | Estimated Annual Growth (%) | Market Rationale |
| 2022 | 16.8 | The reopening of Vietnam's borders in March 2022 restored passenger flights and the cargo carrying space they carry. |
| 2023 | 13.1 | Post-pandemic normalisation of global consumer demand and falling air freight rates reduced shipment volumes and revenues for Vietnamese exporters. |
| 2024 | 17.6 | Strong electronics exports and record foreign direct investment disbursements raised air cargo volumes from manufacturing clusters in northern Vietnam. |
| 2025 | 15.9 | United States tariff announcements in April 2025 triggered front-loaded shipments and then moderated transpacific export volumes through the year. |
| 2026 | 19.2 | Vietnam Airlines is likely to introduce dedicated cargo aircraft, adding schedule control and capacity for exporters beyond passenger aircraft holds. |
| 2027 | 21.8 | Expanding semiconductor packaging and electronics assembly output is set to raise high-value air shipments from industrial zones. |
| 2028 | 22.6 | The Phase 1 cargo terminal at Long Thanh International Airport is predicted to increase and attract widebody freighter operators. |
| 2029 | 20.1 | Newly added capacity is expected to keep up with demand, moderating growth as facilities reach normal utilisation levels. |
| 2030 | 18.9 | Growing parcel volumes and a gradual shift in some regional freight to rail and sea are set to drive the growth. |
| 2031 | 21.3 | Wider use of electronic customs clearance and digital cargo community systems is expected to shorten dwell times and lift volumes. |
| 2032 | 19.7 | A larger revenue base and maturing export product categories are expected to limit incremental percentage growth. |
Note: Market size estimations and growth projections presented in this report are based on 6Wresearch's proprietary forecasting methodology, utilizing the latest available industry data, government publications, and primary research inputs.
Vietnam Air Cargo Market Synopsis
The Vietnam Air Cargo Market is projected to experience rapid growth in the coming years. The market comprises air freight, air freight forwarding, air mail and related handling services moved through Vietnamese airports on express, standard and economy products. Growth is supported by electronics exports from northern manufacturing clusters, rising cross-border parcel flows, the planned December 2026 opening of Long Thanh International Airport and Vietnam Airlines' preparations for dedicated freighters. However, foreign carriers move more than 80% of international cargo, and volumes remain concentrated at Noi Bai Airport, which exposes exporters to congestion.
Market Dynamics Impact Analysis (2026–2032)
| Factor | Type | Impact | Primary Segment Affected |
| Electronics and garment export growth | Driver | High | Air Freight Forwarding |
| Opening of Long Thanh International Airport | Driver | High | Air Freight |
| Dedicated freighter introduction by domestic carriers | Opportunity | High | Air Freight |
| Cross-border parcel delivery growth | Opportunity | High | Express |
| Dependence on foreign carriers | Restraint | High | Air Freight |
| Cost premium over sea freight | Restraint | Medium | Economy |
| Partly digital customs data exchange | Challenge | Medium | Standard |
| Shortage of certified handling staff | Challenge | Medium | Others |
Evaluation of Drivers in Vietnam Air Cargo Market (2026–2032)
Below are some major drivers and their influence on market dynamics.
| Drivers | Primary Segment Affected | Why It Matters (Evidence) |
| Export-oriented electronics manufacturing | Air Freight Forwarding | High-value electronics exports from Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen sustain demand for consolidated air freight shipments. |
| Cross-border e-commerce growth | Express | Rising online purchases and time-sensitive international deliveries increase demand for express parcel services. |
| Opening of Long Thanh International Airport | Air Freight | New airport capacity is expected to improve cargo handling and connectivity with nearby industrial zones. |
| Introduction of dedicated freighters | Air Freight | Dedicated cargo aircraft improve scheduling flexibility and expand capacity for Vietnam’s export shipments. |
| Supply chain relocation and foreign investment | Standard | Manufacturing relocation and foreign investment increase shipments of production inputs and finished goods. |
The Vietnam Air Cargo Market is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of 20.5% during the forecast period 2026-2032. Expansion of the passenger network is expanding cargo capacity on international routes, as Vietnam recorded a record 83.5 million air passengers in 2025, which lowers unit costs for exporters on regional lanes. In addition, rising household incomes are increasing imports of premium consumer goods, medicines, and medical devices that depend on fast and reliable delivery.
Growth in cold-chain warehousing around Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat is enabling exports of fresh fruit, seafood, and pharmaceutical products by air. Moreover, private logistics operators are also incorporating sorting automation, tracking systems, and handling equipment into air cargo, which improves reliability and attracts higher-value cargo.
Evaluation of Restraints in Vietnam Air Cargo Market
Below are some major restraints and their influence on market dynamics.
| Restraint | Primary Segment Affected | Why It Matters (Evidence) |
| Dependence on foreign carriers | Air Freight | Foreign airlines handle over 80% of Vietnam’s international air cargo, limiting domestic carriers’ control over capacity and pricing. |
| Reliance on passenger aircraft holds | Standard | Dependence on passenger flights restricts cargo capacity, scheduling flexibility, and the movement of heavy or bulky shipments. |
| Concentration of volumes at Noi Bai | Air Freight Forwarding | Noi Bai handled 550,400 tonnes in the first half of 2026, increasing congestion risks and northern forwarding costs. |
| Exposure to United States tariffs | Express | United States tariffs on Vietnamese goods increase export costs, potentially reducing discretionary shipments and transpacific cargo volumes. |
| Cost premium over sea freight | Economy | Higher air freight rates and substantial national logistics costs encourage price-sensitive shippers to choose cheaper sea transport. |
Vietnam Air Cargo Market Challenges
Vietnam Air Cargo Market faces several challenges. For example, Airport infrastructure is a major obstacle as cargo grew about 20% in 2025. Therefore, aircraft turnaround and exporter waiting times have increased. Long Thanh Airport need to complete a three-month trial from September 2026 and show good road links to southern industrial zones before shippers commit volumes.
Further, customs data sharing between agencies is only partly digital, and inspection delays add additional cost for perishable and time-sensitive shipments. Certified handlers for hazardous goods and temperature-controlled cargo are scarce as certifications must be renewed every 24 months, which limits service upgrades. Global integrators running their own networks also squeeze margins for domestic forwarders.
Trends in the Vietnam Air Cargo Market
Below mentioned are some of the trends shaping the Vietnam Air Cargo Market growth:
- Shift from Cargo Capacity to Dedicated Freighters: Vietnam Airlines plans to introduce dedicated cargo aircraft in 2026, reducing reliance on passenger flights. This benefits freighter lessors, maintenance providers and ground handlers equipped for widebody aircraft.
- Transition from Single-Gateway to Multi-Gateway Cargo Flows: Long Thanh International Airport opens on 1 December 2026 and will draw southern exports towards Dong Nai. Forwarders are planning nearby facilities, giving shippers alternatives to congested Noi Bai.
- Shift from Domestic to International Cargo Mix: International cargo accounted for 74.7% of Vietnam’s air cargo volume in 2025, boosted by the expansion of exports and cross-border parcels. Customs brokerage, export packaging and consolidation providers benefit most.
Investment Opportunities in the Vietnam Air Cargo Market
Some of the investment opportunities in the Vietnam Air Cargo Market are mentioned below:
- Long Thanh Cargo Terminal and Logistics Park: SATS and Vietnam Airlines plan a Phase 1 facility for 1.2 million tonnes. Investors can supply warehouses, cold rooms and sorting systems through joint ventures with Vietnam Airlines or licensed ground handlers.
- Dedicated Freighter Leasing and ACMI Services: Vietnamese carriers are shifting to cargo-only aircraft but have small fleets. Lessors can offer freighters with crew, maintenance and insurance to Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air through a local certified partner.
- Temperature-Controlled Handling at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat: Pharmaceutical, fruit and seafood exports require constant cold chains logistic; however, airport cold storage is limited. Investors can build cold rooms and handling areas, seek IATA CEIV Pharma certification, and partner with forwarders.
Leading Players in Vietnam Air Cargo Market
Stated below are some of the leading companies contributing significantly to the Vietnam Air Cargo Market expansion:
1. Vietnam Airlines
| Company Name | Vietnam Airlines |
| Established Year | 1956 |
| Headquarters | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier and operates scheduled cargo capacity through its passenger fleet and cargo services. It serves as a domestic provider of air freight for exporters.
2. Vietjet Air
| Company Name | Vietjet Air |
| Established Year | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Vietjet Air is a private low-cost carrier that offers belly cargo capacity across its domestic and international network. It supports regional air freight and parcel movement from Vietnamese airports.
3. DHL Express
| Company Name | DHL Express |
| Established Year | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Bonn, Germany |
| Official Website | Click Here |
DHL Express is a global express and logistics integrator with an established presence in Vietnam. It handles time-definite international shipments for manufacturers, online sellers and trading companies.
4. FedEx Express
| Company Name | FedEx Express |
| Established Year | 1971 |
| Headquarters | Memphis, United States |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FedEx Express is a global logistics provider connecting Vietnamese exporters to markets across Asia, North America and Europe. It provides international express shipping and door-to-door delivery for high-value shipments.
5. UPS
| Company Name | UPS |
| Established Year | 1907 |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, United States |
| Official Website | Click Here |
UPS is a global package delivery and supply chain company that serves Vietnamese shippers through its international air network and local partners. It contributes to export parcel and cross-border logistics services.
Government Initiatives in the Vietnam Air Cargo Industry
Vietnam's aviation industry is governed by the national airport master plan for 2021–2030 with a vision to 2050, issued under Decision 648/QD-TTg in 2023, which targets about 30 airports by 2030 and treats air cargo as a priority for logistics-linked growth. The National Assembly approved the Long Thanh International Airport project through Resolution 94/2015/QH13 in 2015, giving the country a second major hub for passengers and freight.
Implementation is led by the Ministry of Construction, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, which is building Long Thanh on a site of about 5,000 hectares in Dong Nai Province. Commercial operations are scheduled for December 2026, and Vietnam Customs continues to expand electronic clearance through VNACCS/VCIS to speed cargo release at airports.
Future Insight of the Vietnam Air Cargo Market
The Vietnam Air Cargo Market is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Future growth will be shaped by new airport capacity that moves cargo handling closer to manufacturing clusters and improves connectivity with international carriers. Digital customs and shipment tracking will shorten clearance times and raise reliability for time-sensitive consignments.
In addition, rising private investment in warehouses, cold storage and handling equipment will deepen service quality across gateways. Planning documents project airports handling about 4.35 million tonnes of cargo a year by 2030, compared with 1.8 million tonnes in 2025. Furthermore, the expansion of domestic airline fleets and the arrival of additional foreign carriers will widen route choices for exporters.
Market Segmentation Analysis
The report offers a comprehensive study of the Vietnam Air Cargo Market across its key segments. The chart below highlights the leading segment by market share in 2025 and the fastest-growing segment by CAGR over 2026–2032, followed by a detailed analysis of each segment.
By Services – Air Freight Leads, Air Freight Forwarding Expected to Grow Fastest
According to Summon Datta, Research Assistant Manager, 6Wresearch, Air Freight led the market in 2025 with a 47% share, as electronics and garment exporters depend on scheduled capacity at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat for time-sensitive shipments. On the other hand, Air Freight Forwarding is expected to grow fastest at a CAGR of 23.4% during 2026–2032, as forwarders in Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City consolidate shipments ahead of Long Thanh's opening.
By Mode of Shipping – Standard Leads, Express Expected to Grow Fastest
Standard accounted for the Vietnam Air Cargo Market Share in 2025 at nearly 41%, driven by contract manufacturers that ship planned, scheduled consignments of components and finished goods to Korea, Japan and the United States. In parallel, the Express segment is projected to record the fastest CAGR of 24.1% over 2026–2032, supported by cross-border online sellers and the demand for delivery within days across Asia.
Key Attractiveness of the Report
- 10 Years of Market Numbers
- Historical Data Starting from 2022 to 2025
- Base Year 2025
- Forecast Data until 2032
- Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market
- Major Upcoming Developments and Projects
Key Highlights of the Report:
- Vietnam Air Cargo Market Outlook
- Market Size of Vietnam Air Cargo Market, 2025
- Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market, 2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Revenues & Volume for the Period 2022-2032
- Vietnam Air Cargo Market Trend Evolution
- Vietnam Air Cargo Market Drivers and Challenges
- Vietnam Air Cargo Price Trends
- Vietnam Air Cargo Porter's Five Forces
- Vietnam Air Cargo Industry Life Cycle
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Services for the Period 2022-2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Air Freight for the Period 2022-2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Air Freight Forwarding for the Period 2022-2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Air Mail for the Period 2022-2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2022-2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Mode of Shipping for the Period 2022-2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Express for the Period 2022-2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Standard for the Period 2022-2032
- Historical Data and Forecast of Vietnam Air Cargo Market Revenues & Volume By Economy for the Period 2022-2032
- Vietnam Air Cargo Import-Export Trade Statistics
- Market Opportunity Assessment By Services
- Market Opportunity Assessment By Mode of Shipping
- Vietnam Air Cargo Top Companies Market Share
- Vietnam Air Cargo Competitive Benchmarking By Technical and Operational Parameters
- Vietnam Air Cargo Company Profiles
- Vietnam Air Cargo Key Strategic Recommendations
Market Covered
The report offers an extensive study of the following market segments.
By Services
- Air Freight
- Air Freight Forwarding
- Air Mail
- Others
By Mode of Shipping
- Express
- Standard
- Economy
