Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport has urged Binh Dinh Province to further refine its proposal for a pilot air taxi program, citing the need for a more detailed plan and legal framework.

In response to a request from the Binh Dinh People’s Committee to pilot air taxi services in the province, the Ministry expressed support for the exploration of advanced transportation options that ensure safety and social order. Such services, they noted, could enhance connectivity, improve mobility, and create a unique draw for tourism.

However, the Ministry emphasized that the current proposal lacks specifics regarding legal regulations, management mechanisms, and implementation plans. Without these details, the proposal cannot yet be evaluated or approved.

The Ministry pointed to the recently passed Law on Civil Defense, which will take effect on July 1, 2025. The law includes provisions for "unmanned aircraft," laying the groundwork for regulating future innovations such as air taxis and flying cars.

This legislation is expected to serve as a foundation for managing and operating air taxis. In the meantime, the Ministry has advised Binh Dinh authorities to continue researching and aligning their proposal with the forthcoming regulations under the new law.

In late October 2024, Binh Dinh Province proposed piloting air taxis and requested guidance from the Ministry of Transport on seaplane operations for tourism purposes. The province highlighted the advantages of seaplanes over helicopters or conventional aircraft for take-off and landing in various terrains.

According to provincial officials, no current mode of transport fully captures Binh Dinh's natural beauty or offers convenient travel between its tourist destinations. They view seaplanes as a breakthrough opportunity to promote tourism and provide a unique experience for visitors.

Transportation expert Nguyen Thien Tong supported the proposal, noting that air taxis could serve as "aerial highways" in cities like Hue or Quang Ninh, where helicopter sightseeing tours have already been offered. However, he stressed the need for fixed air routes to ensure orderly operations.

"Air taxi routes should be designed similarly to bus networks, offering passengers predetermined stops and clear itineraries," Tong explained.

Vietnam currently lacks regulations for managing and operating air taxi services. The Ministry of Transport highlighted several issues requiring detailed analysis before deployment:

Regulatory Oversight: Identifying the authority responsible for managing air taxi operations.
Business Conditions: Defining licensing and operational requirements for air taxi providers.
Aircraft Types: Assessing manufacturers and suitable air taxi models.
Safety Protocols: Establishing guidelines to ensure secure and sustainable operations.

Collaboration with agencies such as the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Public Security is essential for addressing these concerns.

The Ministry of Transport emphasized the need for a cautious, scientific, and systematic approach to introducing air taxis. This includes thorough evaluations of safety, management, and technical requirements to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of the initiative.

Until a comprehensive framework is established, Vietnam remains in the research phase for adopting this modern transportation mode.

N. Huyen