The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAA) and Bamboo Airways plan to launch air service between Hanoi and Ca Mau province on April 30, with three weekly flights.

Visitors enjoy boat tour around the mangroves in the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau. Photo: The Hanoi Times

According to the agreement between the CAA, Bamboo Airways, and the Ca Mau provincial People's Committee on February 23, the airlines will test flights on April 20 between Hanoi and Ca Mau. The fight is estimated to reach its destination in 2.5 hours.

The CAA said the route will help Hanoi and Ca Mau province boost their socio-economic development and attract investment, especially to the Mekong Delta province.

Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau provincial People's Committee Lam Van Bi said that the launch of air service would facilitate travel between the capital city and the southern province, shortening travel time for the people of Ca Mau.

He explained that Ca Mau locals flying to Hanoi have to transfer to Can Tho airport.

Ca Mau is the 22nd airport served by Bamboo Airways, he said, adding that the company will use the 98-seat Embraer E190 to cover the route.

Ca Mau Airport now operates two flights to HCM City. Its throughput is 35,000-40,000 passengers per year, far below its full capacity of 200,000 each year. The airport plans to increase its capacity to 40 million passengers in 2025-2035.

Ca Mau Airport was built under French colonial rule with a runway 1,500 meters long and 30 meters wide, capable of receiving only small aircraft such as the Embraer E190.

Ca Mau province is the southernmost in Vietnam. Most of the province's surface is covered with mangroves and brackish water, while the transportation system depends mainly on canals and rivers. The province is home to diverse fauna, especially birds, which makes it an attractive eco-tourism destination for domestic and international travelers.

Surrounded by sea on three sides, the coastal province is also home to numerous national historical and cultural relics, while the combination of Kinh, Chinese, and Khmer cultures creates abundant festivals and cultural features such as floating markets and regattas.