Airfare Surge Ahead of Vietnam's National Holiday as Demand Peaks

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As Vietnam’s national holiday from April 30 to May 4 approaches, airfares to popular domestic destinations have spiked, with many peak-time flights already sold out. Travelers are facing significantly higher prices due to high demand across local tourist routes.

 

Popular routes such as Hà Nội-Phú Quốc show one-way ticket prices ranging from VNĐ2.1 million to VNĐ4.6 million (approximately US$80-180) for the holiday period, with return flights even more costly, between VNĐ4.1 million and VNĐ6.3 million ($160-245). Limited direct flight seats are available, and passengers have options to transit through Ho Chi Minh City.

 

For Hà Nội to Nha Trang, ticket prices are between VNĐ1.9 million and VNĐ3.8 million ($75-150), but direct flight options back to Hanoi are largely unavailable on Vietnam Airlines. Alternative business and economy options remain with Bamboo Airways and Vietjet Air.

 

Direct flights from Hà Nội to Đà Nẵng during convenient hours with Vietnam Airlines are mostly sold out. However, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways offer economy seats starting at VNĐ1.9 million, and return flights cost between VNĐ2 million and VNĐ2.5 million ($78-97).

 

To accommodate heightened travel demands, local airlines plan to increase domestic flights by 24%, offering more than 7,500 flights, equating to around 1.5 million seats over the five-day holiday. Notably, over 1,200 additional flights have been scheduled between Hà Nội and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's capital and its largest economic hub.

 

 

 

Despite the increase, ticket prices remain elevated, influenced by factors such as fuel costs, which represent 30-40% of airfare structures. Although aviation fuel prices are currently about 10.5% lower than the previous year, at approximately US$89 per barrel, other market forces and fluctuations can impact fare trends.

 

According to a representative from the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam (CAAV), while reduced fuel prices and the recovering global air transport market suggest potential for lower fares by 2025, unexpected political and economic changes can lead to price fluctuations.

 

The CAAV highlights the impact of high demand during peak holiday seasons, which strains capacity and results in higher ticket prices. Efforts are underway to manage market balance by enhancing airline operational capacity and monitoring booking numbers and pricing trends to inform operational strategies.

 

By coordinating closely with airlines, the CAAV seeks to ensure efficient operations and minimize passenger inconveniences during this peak travel period, reported Vietnam News.

 

-- 2025-04-02