Vietnam is stepping up efforts to make its aviation sector more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable, with a new directive from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam outlining a long-term transition plan.
The authority has asked airport operators and aviation firms to promote energy-saving measures and begin shifting ground vehicles to electric and other clean energy sources. The move aligns with national policy goals on energy security and emissions reduction, Vietnam Investment Review reported.
Under the roadmap, aviation units are expected to begin exploring alternative fuels between 2027 and 2030, while also improving systems to track energy use and fuel consumption. From 2035, at least 10 percent of fuel used on selected short-haul flights is targeted to be sustainable, alongside a shift to electric or green-powered vehicles for new airport operations.
The plan goes further, aiming for all air-side vehicles to transition to clean energy by 2040, with the broader goal of achieving full use of sustainable aviation fuel, supported by carbon offset measures, by 2050.
Vietnam Airlines has already begun adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), becoming the first domestic airline to use it on flights departing from Europe. Since early 2025, these flights have used a minimum SAF blend of 2 percent, with targets to increase this share to 6 percent by 2030, 20 percent by 2035 and 70 percent by 2050.
The airline has also started using SAF on select domestic routes and is working with partners to develop local supply chains to reduce costs and improve availability.
However, high costs remain a major challenge. SAF is currently priced two to three times higher than conventional jet fuel and, in some cases, even more. The airline estimates that using SAF on Europe-bound routes could increase its annual operating costs by around $4.8 million.
To manage emissions, the airline is also focusing on measures such as using newer aircraft, optimising flight routes, reducing weight and using digital tools to monitor fuel use.
The government’s broader plan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 15 to 35 percent by 2030 while ensuring energy security. By 2045, Vietnam expects to build a more efficient and sustainable energy system in line with regional standards.
