The April 30 and May 1 holidays this year are predicted to be a boom time for the domestic aviation tourism industry, as people's travel needs increase dramatically. To meet this demand, Vietnamese airlines have proactively planned to increase the number of flights, ensuring the best service for passengers.
According to the plan approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, during this peak period, domestic airlines will operate more than 7,500 domestic flights, equivalent to an average of about 685 flights per day. Compared to normal days, this figure increased by more than 24%, showing the thorough preparation of airlines to meet the travel needs of passengers.
Vietnamese airlines increase total domestic flights by 24% during holidays
Flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City remain the key route, accounting for the largest proportion with an average of more than 460 flights per day. Particularly for the route connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese airlines plan to operate 1,261 flights, providing 305,000 seats, showing that the demand for travel between the two largest cities in the country is very large.
These flights provide about 1.5 million seats, an increase of 20% compared to the flight schedule before the increase in flights and an increase of 22% compared to the same period last year.
These flights provide about 1.5 million seats, an increase of 20% compared to the flight schedule before the increase in flights and an increase of 22% compared to the same period last year.
During the holiday, there were 5,083 flights to/from Ho Chi Minh City (up 21% compared to last year's holiday), an average of 462 flights/day (up 21% compared to normal days and the same period); providing 1.03 million seats (up 21% compared to normal days and 21.9% compared to the same period).
Not only during the April 30 and May 1 holidays, Vietnamese airlines have also planned to increase flights during the peak summer period of 2025 (from May 15 to August 15). It is expected that during this period, airlines will operate 68,558 domestic flights, equivalent to an average of 745 flights per day.
Airlines increase flights but many routes are still "sold out", prices increase sharply
Flights to and from famous tourist destinations such as Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Quy Nhon... are also given special attention by airlines, with more than 20,000 flights, accounting for 30% of the total number of flights and providing nearly 4.1 million seats. This shows the attention of airlines to serving people's travel needs.
For the main routes (Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City), airlines plan to operate 26,800 flights (accounting for 39%), an increase of 24% compared to normal days and 14% compared to the same period; providing nearly 5.9 million seats, an increase of 22% compared to normal days and 14% compared to the summer of 2024.
For flights to/from Ho Chi Minh City alone, airlines plan to operate 45,000 flights with an average of 490 flights/day; providing 9.23 million seats, an increase of 18% compared to normal and 23% compared to the same period last year. Based on market demand and the operating plans of airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has adjusted the coordination parameters at Tan Son Nhat airport.
Although this year's holiday lasts 5 days and travel demand is high, the sharp increase in airfares has caused many tourists to switch to foreign travel or choose other means of transportation.
With careful preparation of resources, additional aircraft and plans to increase flights, Vietnamese airlines have shown initiative in meeting the travel needs of passengers during the peak holiday and summer season. This not only helps people have convenient trips but also contributes to promoting the development of domestic tourism.
In order to ensure smooth and effective passenger service during the April 30-May 1 holiday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is making efforts to deploy activities related to putting the T3 Passenger Terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport into operation. This is an important project, contributing to improving the service capacity of Tan Son Nhat Airport, one of the largest airports in the country.
Currently, to improve the efficiency of air transport operations and reduce the rising temperature of airfares, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has requested Vietnamese airlines to promote international operations to local airports.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is working closely with the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and Vietnamese airlines to prepare all necessary conditions for the operation of Passenger Terminal T3. Preparations include checking and completing the infrastructure system, installing equipment, training staff, and developing coordination procedures between relevant parties.
Putting the T3 Passenger Terminal into operation in time for the April 30-May 1 holiday will help reduce the load on existing terminals and improve the quality of passenger service. This is especially important in the context of the demand for air travel being forecast to increase sharply during this holiday.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is also coordinating with relevant units to ensure aviation security and safety during the operation of Passenger Terminal T3. Security and safety measures will be enhanced to ensure peace of mind for passengers and relevant parties.
