Latest Update: Air Cargo Booking From Hanoi to Singapore Sees Capacity Tightness and Market Rebound in Late 2025
As Vietnam’s air-cargo market enters the final weeks of 2025, booking demand on the Hanoi → Singapore route is rising faster than forecast, driven by high-tech exports, cross-border e-commerce fulfillment, and the strengthening recovery of regional supply chains. Singapore – long recognized as Southeast Asia’s premier cargo hub – is experiencing a sharp uptick in throughput, placing renewed pressure on available capacity for shipments originating from Hanoi’s Nội Bài International Airport.
Industry analysts describe the current period as a “compressed peak season,” with manufacturers and logistics firms accelerating shipments ahead of year-end retail cycles in Asia and Europe. The tightening space on outbound flights from Hanoi to Singapore reflects a combination of factors: higher export volume, increased transit cargo headed toward Europe and the U.S. East Coast, and fluctuating rate movements across Asia-Pacific.
1. A Strong Rebound in Asia–Pacific Cargo Demand
New data released in mid-November by several global air-cargo analytics platforms indicates that Asia–Pacific remains the fastest-recovering cargo region in the world. Overall tonnage has increased between 8% and 11% year-on-year, depending on market segment.
Within Southeast Asia:
-
Singapore and Malaysia report double-digit export growth linked to electronics and semiconductor components.
-
Vietnam’s total outbound air-cargo volume from January to November shows a consistent upward momentum, supported by FDI manufacturing clusters in Hanoi, Bắc Ninh, Bắc Giang, and Hải Phòng.
This regional rebound directly impacts the Hanoi → Singapore lane, as more shippers secure transit connections via Singapore for consolidation or onward long-haul distribution.
2. Why Hanoi → Singapore Is So Busy Right Now
The surge in demand for this specific route is driven by several structural and short-term factors:
a. Singapore as a preferred transshipment hub
Changi Airport continues to be:
-
Asia’s leading pharma-cold chain gateway
-
A major consolidation center for Europe-bound electronics
-
A high-efficiency hub for e-commerce parcels, especially those routed to the EU, Middle East, and Oceania
Because of this, even cargo that is not destined for Singapore still passes through Singapore as a hub.
b. Rise of semiconductor and electronics exports from Northern Vietnam
Factories producing:
-
Smartphones
-
Printed circuit boards
-
Server components
-
AI-ready chips and modules
are currently shipping at maximum output, matching global demand for computing and data-center infrastructure.
c. Year-end e-commerce pressure
The final months of the year always bring a surge in:
-
Flash-sale orders
-
International marketplace shipments
-
Cross-border fulfillment for Christmas and Lunar New Year
This has translated into capacity squeeze on Express and General Cargo flights alike.
d. Strong intra-ASEAN trade
Trade between Vietnam and Singapore remains one of the most stable flows in ASEAN. Singaporean importers continue to rely on Vietnamese perishables, garments, and industrial components, while Vietnamese firms import large quantities of precision machinery and components via Singapore.
All these demand drivers combine to push the lane into a “high-pressure” environment for space booking.
HAN is now so busy
3. Airlines Operating Cargo Capacity on the Route
Multiple carriers currently operate either passenger belly capacity or full-freighter service between Hanoi and Singapore. While schedules vary, the main contributors include:
-
Singapore Airlines (SIA): Offers high belly capacity, especially during peak days.
-
Scoot: Provides additional narrow-body belly space for lighter cargo.
-
Vietnam Airlines: Serves the route with consistent passenger operations.
-
Bamboo Airways (on selective weeks): Used for overflow e-commerce freight.
-
Third-country carriers such as Korean Air or China Airlines connecting through Hanoi also feed cargo into the Singapore network.
Forwarders note that premium belly capacity on wide-body flights is currently the fastest to fill, often booked out several days in advance.
4. Market Rates and Pricing Trends (Late November 2025)
While exact rates vary daily, analysts report the following general trends:
a. Moderate upward rate pressure
Rates from Hanoi → Singapore have risen approximately 8–12% compared with October, due to:
-
Contraction in free capacity
-
Increased competition for express slots
-
High-value electronics dominating available space
-
Short-term fuel cost fluctuations across Asia
b. E-commerce surcharges
Several carriers have reintroduced or updated:
-
Peak Season Surcharges (PSS)
-
E-commerce Handling Fees
-
Screening Charges
which collectively add USD 0.10–0.35/kg depending on commodity and service level.
c. Stability expected after mid-December
Most market outlooks suggest price stabilization after December 18–22, once pre-holiday shipping pressure eases.
However, shippers moving critical electronics or urgent repair parts may still experience priority-booking fees.
5. Capacity Challenges: What Shippers Should Expect
The most pressing issue for freight forwarders and exporters right now is space allocation.
a. “Full flights” not uncommon
Wide-body flights are fully booked several days ahead, especially:
-
Late-evening departures
-
Early-morning flights connecting to Europe-bound schedules
-
Weekend departures (Fri–Sun)
b. Offload risk
If cargo is not confirmed with priority status, there is a small but notable risk of offloading, particularly for:
-
Low-yield general cargo
-
Loose shipments (not palletized)
-
Late cargo that misses carrier cut-off times
c. Longer transit due to hub congestion
Changi Airport remains efficient, but the seasonal volume increase has created:
-
Slight delays in unit loading/unloading
-
Longer cargo acceptance times
-
Higher pressure on ground handlers for transshipment loads
None of these constitute major disruptions, but forwarders advise allowing extra buffer time for multi-leg shipments.
6. New Developments Influencing the Route in November 2025
The following updates are among the most relevant for Hanoi–Singapore cargo as of today:
a. Global e-commerce platforms expanding Southeast Asia air-network
Major platforms have increased charter usage through Singapore, with some routing consolidation through Hanoi. This adds more competition for capacity during peak days.
b. Strong pharmaceutical shipments through Singapore
Temperature-sensitive cargo is increasing sharply due to:
-
Seasonal medical supply demand
-
Higher biotech exports from Singapore and Malaysia
-
Global vaccine distribution for multiple health campaigns
This type of cargo often receives priority, which can shift available capacity away from standard goods.
c. More aircraft maintenance parts moving across ASEAN
Singapore’s MRO sector is booming, causing increased movement of:
-
Spare parts
-
Aircraft engines
-
Specialized tooling
These high-value goods often require specialized handling and guaranteed uplift.
d. Improved screening and digital booking tools
Airlines have expanded:
-
e-AWB usage
-
Shipment visibility tools
-
Priority queueing systems
These upgrades reduce bottlenecks but also require shippers to follow digital booking procedures more closely.
7. Recommended Booking Strategies for Shippers in Late 2025
To secure space effectively from Hanoi to Singapore, logistics providers recommend the following:
1. Book at least 3–5 days in advance
Especially for electronics, garments, and e-commerce parcels.
2. Choose priority or express service for urgent shipments
This reduces the risk of offload and ensures faster handling at both ends.
3. Avoid late cargo arrival
Airlines are enforcing strict cut-off times due to high volume.
4. Provide accurate dimensions and weight
Misdeclared cargo may be rejected at acceptance, causing missed flights.
5. Use palletization or ULD build-up when possible
Pre-palletized cargo has a higher chance of guaranteed uplift.
8. Outlook for December 2025 and Early 2026
Industry analysts forecast:
-
Stabilizing rates after the holiday peak
-
Strong overall demand for electronics and express parcels continuing into Q1 2026
-
More flights added by Vietnam Airlines and Singapore Airlines during traditional high-season travel periods
-
Possible new freighter operations from integrators expanding regional networks
The Hanoi–Singapore lane is expected to remain one of the most active intra-ASEAN corridors due to its balance of:
-
Manufacturing output
-
Transshipment efficiency
-
Hub reliability
-
Strong bilateral trade
Conclusion
The air-cargo market between Hanoi and Singapore has entered one of its busiest phases of 2025, driven by semiconductor exports, e-commerce, pharma logistics, and strong ASEAN trade flows. Space constraints, moderate rate increases, and hub congestion underscore the need for early booking and accurate planning.
For shippers and freight forwarders, understanding these evolving dynamics is essential to ensuring smooth, cost-efficient transport during the peak season and beyond.
XEM THÊM
HIỂU RÕ CƠ CHẾ PHÂN LUỒNG HẢI QUAN: TỪ LUỒNG XANH ĐẾN LUỒNG ĐỎ
DỊCH VỤ BOOKING TẢI HÀNG KHÔNG TỪ NỘI BÀI ĐẾN LHR
