Vietnam’s key markets are he US, Russia, Germany, France, the UK, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and India. Vietnam has no direct air routes to India or the US. Major international airports like Noi Bai, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Tan Son Nhat have been asked to expand their capacity and Cat Bi, Phu Bai, Can Tho and Phu Quoc need to upgrade their infrastructure.

By 2020 Vietnam plans to open new air routes to Russia, the UK, and the Czech Republic. Vietnam Airlines and Air France signed a comprehensive cooperative joint venture agreement which took effect last November. Duong Tri Thanh is General Director of Vietnam Airlines: "The joint venture agreement is the most advanced and highest level of cooperation in aviation reflecting our commitment to increase benefits for customers. Vietnam Airlines and Air France have strengthened investment in the international markets, especially in France and Europe.”

Vietnam Airlines has opened a general agent in Prague, the Czech Republic and intends to launch direct air routes between the two countries in the near future. The Czech Republic attracts tourists from European and Asian countries. Nguyen Quoc Phuong is Director of Vietnam Airlines Office in Europe: "The Czech Republic is a strong potential market. That’s one reasons that we want a general agent there to take better care of customers and expand the market.”

This year Vietnam Airlines will also open direct air routes to San Francisco and Los Angeles. By 2020, the airline intends develop more flights to Australia. Other Vietnamese airlines plan to open more flights to China, South Korea, and Japan.

Vietnam also hopes to expand its aviation market to the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Italy.