Vietnam Aviation Resilience: ACV Navigates Leadership, Grows

Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV) has navigated significant leadership changes by appointing Nguyen Cao Cuong as its new chairman, a strategic move designed to restore stability. This transition comes as Vietnam’s aviation sector demonstrates notable structural resilience, maintaining robust growth and advancing critical infrastructure projects despite recent executive arrests. The appointment of Mr. Cuong, who brings over two decades of aviation experience, signals a concerted effort to ensure continuity in the nation’s vital air travel network.

This organizational resilience is underscored by ACV’s performance in the first half of 2026. The corporation reported handling 60.5 million passengers, representing a 6% year-on-year increase. International passenger traffic, a key indicator of global connectivity and tourism recovery, surged by 13% to reach 24.3 million during this period.

Financially, ACV’s operations remained strong, with first-half revenue climbing to nearly VND10.75 trillion ($408.25 million). Pre-tax profit also exceeded VND5.86 trillion ($222.76 million). These figures reflect the underlying demand for air travel within Vietnam and the operational efficiency of its airport network, even in the absence of long-term stable leadership.

Advancing Key Infrastructure Projects

Beyond current operations, ACV reiterated its commitment to the ambitious Long Thanh International Airport project, confirming its launch for commercial operations by the end of December 2026. This timeline is supported by ongoing construction of the main passenger terminal (Package 5.10), with interior finishing and equipment installation nearing completion. Trial operations are strategically scheduled for September 2026, overseen by international consultants, a key step in de-risking such a large-scale endeavor.

The broader strategy for Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure includes the successful operationalization of the T3 passenger terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in April 2025, which has already alleviated congestion. Similarly, the expanded T2 terminal at Noi Bai International Airport is fully utilized. For smaller regional airports, ACV plans to enhance operational efficiency through collaboration with local authorities and airlines, aiming to introduce new routes and stimulate local tourism. This multi-pronged approach underscores a coherent strategy for national aviation development.

The consistent progress on major infrastructure projects and sustained operational growth, despite internal governance challenges, illustrates a fundamental principle: essential national infrastructure often possesses inherent structural resilience. This capability allows critical services to maintain trajectory even through periods of corporate upheaval, driven by persistent economic demand and long-term strategic planning. The focus now shifts to how this new leadership will leverage this foundational stability to further optimize Vietnam’s burgeoning aviation sector.