With impressive growth in passenger throughput, aircraft movements and cargo volume in the first quarter of 2026, Noi Bai International Airport continues to affirm its capability in ensuring safe and efficient operations, while progressively improving service quality and reinforcing its role as a key international aviation gateway of the Capital and the country.

In Q1, Noi Bai International Airport handled over 9 million passengers and more than 57,000 aircraft movements, ensuring absolute safety during peak periods associated with major political and social events. Notably, international passenger traffic recorded significant growth, further underscoring Noi Bai’s increasingly prominent role as a major international gateway of both the Capital and the nation.

These highlights were emphasized at the Q1 2026 working session on operational coordination, aviation safety, and service quality enhancement, held on April 9. The working session is organized quarterly by Noi Bai International Airport to comprehensively review operational performance in the preceding quarter and to outline key priorities for the upcoming period.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from competent authorities, airlines, ground handling companies, aviation enterprises, and airport-affiliated units.

Impressive growth in operational output

Noi Bai International Airport, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, ensured safety and service quality for over 9 million passengers (up 16.6% year-on-year and 8.3% compared to Q4 2025) and more than 57,000 aircraft movements (up 19.0% year-on-year and 8.5% compared to Q4 2025). Of these, international passengers reached over 4.22 million (up 19% year-on-year), while domestic passengers exceeded 5.04 million (up 14.7%). Cargo throughput reached 261,593 tons (up 23.8% year-on-year but down 9.5% compared to Q4 2025). These figures reflect a strong and comprehensive recovery and growth momentum in airport operations from the very beginning of the year.

Effective coordination in flight operations

During Q1 2026, which featured significant political events such as the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 – February 3, 2026) and the 2nd Plenary Session of the 14th Party Central Committee (March 23–25, 2026), Noi Bai International Airport closely coordinated with air traffic control authorities to ensure safe flight operations, particularly during peak periods.

Operational management at the Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC) continued to be implemented in a disciplined and effective manner, contributing to safe and efficient handling of 57,217 aircraft movements, including 48 VIP flights and 475 priority flights.

In addition, the implementation of the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (ACDM) model continued to deliver positive results, with 57,094 flights managed under this framework. The average Target Off-Block Time (TOBT) compliance rate reached 98.86%, while Target Start-up Approval Time (TSAT) compliance stood at 90%. These indicators demonstrate increasingly close and effective coordination between Noi Bai International Airport and relevant stakeholders in optimizing operations, minimizing delays, and enhancing overall efficiency.

Service quality continues to improve

Passenger service quality was further maintained and enhanced during Q1 2026. Noi Bai International Airport was honored for the 8th time in the Top 100 World’s Best Airports 2026 by Skytrax, rising 8 positions compared to 2025 to rank 71st. Notably, it also entered the Top 10 Best Airports Worldwide in the category of airports handling 30–40 million passengers per year for the first time. These achievements carry significant meaning, reflecting the continuous efforts of the airport and its stakeholders in improving service quality, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. To Tu Ha, Director of Noi Bai International Airport, expressed sincere appreciation to all agencies and units for their close coordination, particularly during major national events. This collaboration has been a key factor enabling the airport to maintain smooth operations despite increasing traffic pressure.

Alongside these positive outcomes, the working session also candidly addressed upcoming challenges. Global developments, including instability in the Middle East and rising fuel costs, are impacting airline operations, leading to adjustments in flight frequencies or suspension of certain routes, thereby placing additional pressure on operational management and infrastructure allocation at the airport.

In addition, aviation safety assurance must continue to be strengthened, particularly in the coordination and control of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to ensure absolute safety for all flights.

In response, the airport leadership called on all relevant agencies and units to further enhance coordination, proactively review and optimize operational processes, strengthen safety and security measures, and continuously improve service quality, thereby ensuring safe, efficient, and seamless flight operations under all circumstances.

On this occasion, Noi Bai International Airport also presented commendation certificates from Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to eight collectives for their outstanding contributions to service quality improvement, and to 26 collectives for their excellence in operational coordination during the 2026 Lunar New Year peak period and in support of the 14th National Party Congress. This recognition reflects the dedication, responsibility, and effective collaboration of these teams in ensuring safe, smooth operations and enhancing the airport’s image.

News and photos:Noi Bai International Airport