Hai Phong steps up attracting international arrivals through Cat Bi gateway

Expanding tourism development scale

Cat Bi International Airport has contributed significantly to Hai Phong’s tourism growth. According to statistics, in the first 10 months of 2025, the airport welcomed more than 2 million passengers, transported over 14,516 tons of luggage and more than 10,000 tons of cargo, confirming the stableness and strong recovery of air travel demand to Hai Phong.

Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyen Minh Hung said aviation not only ensures connectivity but also serves as a “lever” to help Hai Phong attract international visitors. Maintaining existing routes and opening more direct flights to major markets such as South Korea, Thailand, and China is considered essential to enhance the destination’s competitiveness.

Cat Bi International Airport is currently operating 7 key domestic routes and 4 international ones to Incheon (South Korea), Lijiang, Kunming, and Nanning (China).

Alongside efforts to expand its flight network, Cat Bi is becoming one of the most modern airports in the region with technological applications such as automated check-in, automated boarding gates, end-to-end biometrics, and AI-powered camera systems. Technical infrastructure continues to receive synchronized investment aimed at increasing service capacity and improving the passenger experience right from the first gateway.

For Hai Phong tourism to reach international scale

As the tourism sector experiences strong recovery, enhancing cooperation between aviation and tourism is seen as essential. To enable breakthrough development, Hai Phong needs to work closely with airlines to tap into potential international markets.

At the same time, the T2 passenger terminal project is under urgent construction, with an initial annual capacity of 5 million passengers and an expected 12 – 13 million passengers/ year upon full completion. The cargo terminal, aviation logistics zone, and expanded apron will help raise the airport’s capacity to 13 million passengers annually, creating the foundation for Hai Phong to welcome surging visitor numbers in the future.

With a vision toward 2050, Cat Bi International Airport aims to reach 18 million passengers per year and develop an aerotropolis model, in which the airport becomes a commercial and tourism hub for the entire northern coastal region. This is considered a key foundation for Hai Phong to enhance its destination profile and expand international markets.

With expressways linking Ha Noi – Hai Phong – Ha Long, the city has favorable conditions to become an international tourist gateway for the whole region. The “Hai Phong – Cat Ba – Ha Long” itinerary is viewed by many businesses as a potential strategic tourism product, especially for international visitors who enjoy marine and island nature.

According to Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the National Tourism Authority, the agency will continue coordinating with Hai Phong and airlines to support the opening of new air routes, ease difficulties for businesses, and build a civilized, safe, and appealing tourism environment.

The city will continue investing in upgrading destinations, improving support policies for businesses, and strengthening the promotion of Hai Phong’s image in international markets. Cat Bi International Airport commits to enhancing service quality and developing a non-aviation service ecosystem so that the airport becomes a distinctive highlight of Hai Phong tourism.

TAM AN