Vietnamese airlines are preparing to reduce flight frequencies and suspend some domestic routes from April as carriers adjust operations to cope with rising jet fuel prices, according to a report published Friday by Vietnamese newspaper Nhan Dan.
The report, citing the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, said airlines are revising their flight networks and capacity plans to maintain operations while limiting the financial impact of higher fuel costs.
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will suspend seven domestic routes from April 1 and could make deeper cuts of 10% to 20% in total flight volume if jet fuel prices rise to between $160 and $200 per barrel, according to the report.
Domestic routes are expected to see the sharpest reductions, with flight volumes projected to be cut by 12% to 26%, while international services could face cuts of 4% to 18%.
Budget carrier Pacific Airlines said it plans to reduce capacity by 8% to 30% from April 1 by scaling back flights during off-peak hours, while VietJet Air is set to cut overall flight capacity by 18%, with the reductions focused mainly on domestic operations.
Authorities said airlines are seeking to preserve service on key domestic routes, particularly those linking Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, while maintaining flights on routes considered important for socio-political and economic reasons.
The report said airlines are also considering fuel surcharges and higher ticket prices from April as fuel costs remain elevated and supply conditions stay uncertain.
Vietnamese aviation authorities said they are seeking urgent support measures, including temporary tax adjustments and steps to secure fuel supply, to help maintain air transport operations.
By Mucahithan Avcioglu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr