Air Cargo Growth in Vietnam: What U.S. E-Commerce Players Should Know

Vietnam’s booming export market is being rapidly transformed by the growth of air cargo services, making the country a rising star in Asia’s logistics landscape. For U.S.-based e-commerce companies, understanding how Vietnam’s air freight sector is evolving is crucial to tapping into faster delivery cycles, consistent inventory flow, and cross-border shipping efficiency.

In 2025, Vietnam has doubled down on air cargo infrastructure and policy enhancements, aiming to solidify its role as a key link between Southeast Asia and global markets. This article explores the drivers behind Vietnam’s air cargo expansion, what it means for American e-commerce firms, and how sourcing partnerships can reduce costs and risks.

Vietnam’s Air Cargo Boom: What’s Fueling the Growth?

Several factors have driven Vietnam’s sharp increase in air freight capacity over the past three years:

• E-commerce and express delivery demand: Domestic and international online orders are creating continuous pressure for faster transit times.

• FDI in manufacturing: Global brands are setting up operations in Vietnam, especially in electronics and textiles, increasing the need for rapid, high-value shipments.

• Airport expansion and modernization: Key international airports such as Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and the upcoming Long Thanh International Airport are boosting cargo handling capabilities.

Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority has reported that air cargo volume is expected to exceed 1.5 million tonnes in 2025, up from under 900,000 tonnes just three years ago. This acceleration is reshaping the options available for U.S. buyers seeking agile supply chains.

U.S. E-Commerce Players Are Eyeing Speed, Not Just Price

While sea freight remains dominant for bulk shipments, the U.S. e-commerce sector increasingly prioritizes delivery speed—especially for high-demand, fast-moving SKUs. In this context, Vietnam’s upgraded air cargo routes offer new opportunities:

• Time-sensitive deliveries: Fashion, consumer electronics, and accessories benefit from fast replenishment.

• Warehouse-to-door integration: Logistics firms in Vietnam are now offering bundled fulfillment and cargo services.

• Peak season agility: U.S. sellers can restock inventory quickly during holiday surges or product launches.

To maximize these advantages, working with a bestsourcing agent Vietnam can be critical in coordinating suppliers, freight forwarders, and documentation processes for air shipments.

Key Airports Driving Vietnam’s Air Freight Ecosystem

1. Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)

This airport serves northern Vietnam and has seen strong cargo volume growth, particularly in electronics and garments. Recent facility upgrades include a new cargo terminal and cold chain infrastructure, which are vital for perishable and time-sensitive goods.

2. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

As the busiest airport in Vietnam, it handles nearly half of the country’s total air freight. With limited expansion capacity, the pressure is mounting—but investments in automation and 24/7 operations are helping ease bottlenecks.

3. Long Thanh International Airport (under construction)

Expected to be partially operational by late 2025, Long Thanh will become Vietnam’s largest international air hub. It is designed to accommodate 5 million tonnes of cargo annually when fully completed, changing the game for global logistics.

As facilities grow more sophisticated, U.S. importers benefit from working with a bestsourcing agent Asia who understands which airport corridor and route fits specific product categories.

Customs and Clearance Improvements

The Vietnamese government has implemented major customs reforms aimed at air cargo:

• E-clearance systems for commercial air cargo shipments now reduce customs wait times to 2–4 hours.

• Pre-arrival declarations enable faster coordination with air freight carriers.

• Integration with ASEAN Single Window, allowing regional exporters to align their documents seamlessly.

Despite these improvements, navigating Vietnam’s customs can still pose challenges for foreign businesses. That’s why many choose to partner with a bestsourcing agent Vietnam, who offers hands-on support with documentation, labeling, and HS code classification.

Top Categories Benefiting from Vietnam’s Air Cargo

Several product categories see strong air freight utilization:

• Apparel and footwear – Seasonal styles with fast turnover

• Mobile accessories and electronics – Small, high-value, and time-sensitive

• Health and wellness products – Supplements, skincare, and personal care

• Customized goods – Small-batch runs with direct-to-consumer shipment models

For many of these categories, factory proximity to air hubs becomes a decisive advantage. Choosing suppliers based in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City streamlines the logistics chain, especially when supported by a local bestsourcing agent Asia.

How a Bestsourcing Agent Streamlines the Process

Sourcing and shipping from Vietnam via air cargo involves multiple moving parts. A specialized sourcing agent adds value by:

• Negotiating optimal freight rates from trusted air carriers

• Ensuring supplier readiness for tight packing and shipment cutoffs

• Coordinating with forwarders for seamless airport-to-warehouse transfers

• Troubleshooting delays, customs queries, and packaging compliance

A bestsourcing agent Vietnam often has deep connections within both production and freight circles, reducing delays and offering proactive solutions when timelines are tight.

Considerations for U.S. Businesses

Before fully transitioning to Vietnam-based air cargo, U.S. e-commerce companies should evaluate:

• Transit times vs. cost trade-offs

• Product categories with high shipping ROI

• Airfreight consolidation options

• Supplier readiness and packaging standards

The most effective strategy often involves blending sea freight for long-term stock and air cargo for urgent or promotional SKUs. A bestsourcing agent Asia can help develop a flexible sourcing model based on product mix and sales cycles.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s air cargo capacity is undergoing a remarkable transformation. For U.S. e-commerce players, this means greater flexibility, faster inventory cycles, and new sourcing options in a post-China-shift world.

Working with a bestsourcing agent Vietnam ensures your supply chain is ready for rapid movement, local compliance, and agile fulfillment. As Vietnam continues investing in aviation infrastructure and digital logistics, those who act early stand to gain the most in cost efficiency and delivery speed.