As one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, the country continues to attract record levels of foreign direct investment, expand its manufacturing capacity, and welcome millions of international visitors each year.
Yet behind this remarkable momentum lies a strategic asset that often receives far less attention than it deserves: its airport infrastructure.
Vietnam’s opportunity to become a regional aviation gateway
Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is uniquely positioned to become a gateway connecting some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
As regional trade, tourism, and cross-border investment continue to accelerate, modern airport infrastructure will play an increasingly critical role in strengthening connectivity with China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Recognizing this opportunity, the Vietnamese government has launched a series of major aviation infrastructure projects.
At the center is Long Thanh International Airport, the country’s largest infrastructure project to date, designed to accommodate more than 100 million passengers and five million tonnes of cargo annually.
Alongside Long Thanh, expansion projects at Da Nang International Airport are enhancing capacity in one of Vietnam’s most important tourism and business hubs.
The government has also encouraged greater private-sector participation in airport development and operations, with recent projects including Gia Binh International Airport and the planned expansion of Phu Quoc Airport.
However, expanding terminals or adding new runways is only part of the solution. The greater challenge lies in building airports that are smarter, more adaptive, and capable of supporting Vietnam’s economic ambitions for decades to come.
Airports have become economic infrastructure
Today’s airports have evolved far beyond their traditional role as transportation hubs. They have become complex economic ecosystems where dozens of interconnected systems work together to keep the movement of people, goods, and commerce flowing efficiently.
Every passenger journey depends on the seamless integration of airport operations, baggage handling, immigration, security screening, retail services, and ground transportation.
Delivering a smooth travel experience requires all of these systems to operate in harmony and in real time.
When they function effectively, airports do far more than move passengers. They strengthen airline confidence, facilitate international trade, support tourism, and create positive first impressions for investors and global business leaders.
Conversely, even minor operational disruptions can ripple across airline schedules, passenger flows, and commercial activities, ultimately affecting confidence in a destination.
For multinational companies considering Vietnam as an investment destination, aviation connectivity is a critical factor. A modern, reliable airport system supports executive mobility, enables the movement of high-value goods, facilitates tourism, and enhances the country’s overall competitiveness.
In many respects, the performance of an airport system reflects a nation’s readiness to attract investment and participate more deeply in the global economy.
Learning from Perth Airport’s transformation
Around the world, airports are rethinking how they prepare for long-term growth.
One compelling example is Perth Airport in Western Australia, which is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar transformation to consolidate airline operations into a single integrated precinct.
The project goes beyond expanding physical infrastructure; it aims to create a smarter airport capable of meeting future demand while delivering a better experience for passengers and stakeholders alike.
As part of this transformation, DXC Technology serves as the Master Systems Integrator, responsible for designing, integrating, testing, and commissioning more than 70 information technology and operational technology systems across the airport.
The project highlights an important lesson that extends well beyond Australia: investing in physical infrastructure alone is no longer sufficient.
Long-term value is created when technology, operational processes, and stakeholders are brought together within a unified ecosystem that is flexible enough to adapt to evolving technologies, changing business needs, and rising passenger expectations.
This is particularly relevant for Vietnam as it accelerates investment in its aviation infrastructure.
The challenge is not simply to build more airports, but to build airports that are intelligent, connected, and resilient enough to support economic growth over the coming decades.
Smart airports are no longer just an aviation investment but they are an investment in national competitiveness.
By integrating infrastructure, technology, and operations into a cohesive system, Vietnam can strengthen its position as a regional hub for trade, tourism, and investment while laying the foundation for sustainable long-term growth.