Extra flights added for travel surge during National Day

Air passengers at Nội Bài International Airport in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese air carriers have been increasing flights for the National Independence Day (September 2) holiday to meet travel demands, with prices expected to be lower than the first half of the year.

The four-day break will last from August 30 to September 9.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has added nearly half a million seats, across its domestic and international flights for this occasion.

Focused routes include those between Hà Nội or HCM City and Đà Nẵng, Đà Lạt, Cam Ranh, and between HCM City and Huế, Phú Quốc Island.

Domestic seats on Vietnam Airlines flights during this holiday are approximately 330,000, equivalent to a 19 per cent year-on-year increase.

“We have also added more international flights, especially those between Việt Nam and India, China, Thailand and Australia, totalling more than 150,000 seats,” said the airline’s representative.

Meanwhile, Vietravel Airlines offers nearly 28,000 seats during this holiday, with the flight routes from HCM City to Đà Nẵng/Quy Nhơn, from Hà Nội to Đà Nẵng and from Hà Nội/HCM City to Bangkok (Thailand).

The airlines are trying to meet travel demand amid the global aircraft shortage as multiple jet engines were recalled for inspection.

Vietnam Airlines has obtained one more Airbus A320neo and one more Boeing 787-10, while Vietjet is expected to add ten aircraft to its fleet from August until the end of the year.

Bamboo Airways is also expected to receive additional aircraft in Q4-2024, while also increasing the average flight hours per aircraft per day to 12.5 with more night flights.

Regarding commercial flight schedules for the National Day holiday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam (CAAV) has issued an official document to require coordination between Vietnamese air carriers and travel agencies to promote key tourist destinations.

Airlines are also required to report on fleet operation plans, travel demands, flight increases, ticket sales and reservations, and seat supply on domestic routes during the holiday.

Data from their websites show that seat availability is still high and airfares have decreased compared to the beginning of the year. — VNS