Hanoi vacationers do not let high airfares stop them

By Thi Ha April 26, 2024 | 04:46 am PT

Vung Tau beach is flooded with beach-goers during the Reunification Day holiday, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Truong Ha

High airfares between Hanoi and many of the country’s tourist hotspots during five-day Reunification Day-Labor Day holiday from April 27 to May 1 have not deterred vacationers and most flights are sold out.

There are few tickets left for flights from the capital to Da Nang and Phu Quoc, which cost VND4.7-6 million (US$188-240), or up to 15% higher than last year, and to Da Lat, which cost VND5.8-6 million.

Pham Thi Thu Huong, an airline ticket agent, said travel demand during the holidays is high, especially to beach destinations because of the hot weather. She had some customers who were unable to get tickets, she said.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam, some routes are 90-100% booked. Flights from Hanoi and HCMC to Dien Bien Phu, Quy Nhon and Con Dao have been the most in demand and are 95-100% full, it said.

The ticket shortage and high fares are partly due to a shortage of aircraft, it added. This year aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney has recalled faulty engines for inspection and repair.

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air between them have around 40 aircraft with the faulty engines, and so the aircraft using them will be grounded in 2024-25.

Besides, some airlines are restructuring and downsizing their fleets. Bamboo Airways had 28 aircraft, but just a few remain in operation.

Pacific Airlines was unable to pay its debts and its fleet, all leased, has been seized.

The administration has urged airlines to increase domestic flights from Hanoi and HCMC on April 27 and to the two cities on May 1.

Vietnam Airlines has said it will have more than 570,000 seats on 2,900 flights on domestic and international routes during the holidays. Vietjet Air will add 86,000 seats.

Flights from HCMC to tourist destinations are less full though airfares have decreased by 5-10% from last year.

Thanh, a ticket agent in the city’s Tan Binh District, said the number of tourists in the city travelling by air has decreased, with many choosing to drive or train to nearby places.