Vietnam Airlines to reduce domestic flights in April
The carrier will cancel 23 weekly flights on seven domestic routes starting April 1 due to fuel shortages. Supply issues stem from Middle East conflict.
The flag carrier of Vietnam is set to reduce its domestic flight schedule significantly starting next month as the country faces a tightening supply of jet fuel. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), Vietnam Airlines will cancel 23 flights per week across several domestic routes beginning April 1 to conserve fuel.
The reduction involves the suspension of seven domestic routes. Affected services include flights from Hai Phong to Buon Ma Thuot, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, and Can Tho. Additionally, routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don, Rach Gia, and Dien Bien will be halted. The regulator noted that the airline is prioritizing routes essential for national connectivity, trade, tourism, and diplomacy. Vietnam Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on the operational changes.
The looming shortage is largely attributed to geopolitical instability in the Middle East and subsequent supply disruptions. Regional partners China and Thailand have reportedly halted jet fuel exports due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, raising the risk of shortages in the Vietnamese market. Vietnam relies heavily on imports to meet the majority of its jet fuel demand.
In response to the supply constraints, the aviation authority indicated that carriers are preparing to implement fuel surcharges on international routes starting in early April. The CAAV had previously warned of potential flight reductions after major exporters suspended shipments, highlighting the vulnerability of the domestic aviation sector to international fuel market volatility.
