Airlines have something to cheer as Vietnam’s biggest holiday nears

On Monday Vietnam Airlines said its flights from HCMC to Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Hoi An are 70 percent full.

Many flights between January 17 and 23 are full, it said.

The Lunar New Year falls on February 1, and is a nine-day holiday this year.

Traditionally, people travel in their millions to their hometown for family reunions during Tet or make long trips.

Flights from Hanoi and HCMC to beach destinations such as Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc and Con Dao are nearly full between February 2 and 4.

Vietnam Airlines said seats are still available on flights from HCMC to Tuy Hoa and Da Lat and from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, Tuy Hoa and Can Tho.

Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways have increased the frequency of flights from Hanoi and HCMC to tourist destinations such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Cam Ranh to meet the demand.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), carriers plan to offer around 2.7 million seats from Jan. 16 to Feb. 15.

During the peak period, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, the country’s two largest, are expected to receive 1,100 and 600 flights a day, 20 percent more than on normal days.

Currently one-way tickets on the HCMC-Hanoi sector cost VND1.27-2.69 million ($55.75-118.09).