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Information recently released by the Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV) regarding adjustments to the domestic flight network is attracting significant public attention. Accordingly, from April 1st, 2026, Vietnam Airlines, the national airline, will officially suspend operations on seven direct routes connecting various localities, causing considerable surprise for passengers as the peak summer travel season approaches.
On official channels, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has issued a notice confirming the restructuring of Vietnam Airlines' route portfolio. Specifically, from the beginning of April, the list of 7 domestic routes that serve as inter-regional connections without passing through gateway airports such as Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat will temporarily cease operation.
ACV representatives officially confirmed the adjustment of Vietnam Airlines' domestic flight network, with 7 routes temporarily suspended from operation starting April 1, 2026.
The list of affected flights includes routes departing from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don, Rach Gia, Dien Bien, and routes departing from Hai Phong to Can Tho, Buon Ma Thuot, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc. These are all strategic routes that were expected to create a breakthrough in trade and tourism between provinces and cities, helping passengers save considerable travel time thanks to direct flights. The suspension of these routes means that passengers in Hai Phong and some southern provinces will lose their most convenient direct travel options.
Accordingly, adjusting, cutting, or suspending routes is not uncommon and is often part of the airline's long-term strategy. These decisions are usually based on a combination of technical and economic factors such as actual market demand at any given time, operational efficiency per mile flown, technical infrastructure conditions at local airports, and especially the strategy for optimizing the flight network in each financial period.
Vietnam Airlines, the national airline of Vietnam, has begun implementing a plan to temporarily suspend inter-regional flights in order to optimize operational efficiency in the new phase.
However, for passengers and travel agencies, this sudden change creates a significant challenge. This is especially true for routes like Hai Phong - Phu Quoc or Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don, which are key routes serving tourists and professionals. The suspension right before the summer season – a time when travel demand surges – forces people and businesses to quickly seek alternative solutions.
To ensure uninterrupted travel, passengers need to proactively update information and develop alternative travel plans. For those who still need to travel between the locations on the flight suspension list, the most viable option currently is to take connecting flights through the two major hub airports, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Although this option may extend travel time and incur additional costs, it is the only way to maintain air travel plans in the near future.
Additionally, passengers may consider changing their departure or destination points to nearby airports with good connectivity. For example, instead of flying from Hai Phong, passengers in the northern region could travel by road to Noi Bai Airport for more flight time and airline options. For short routes like Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia, switching to premium road transport is also an economical and flexible option.
Please note that passengers who have completed bookings on the 7 suspended routes should immediately contact Vietnam Airlines' customer service hotline or official ticket agents for advice. According to general regulations, in the event that the airline proactively suspends operations, passengers will be assisted with procedures to change flights to equivalent routes or process refunds in accordance with consumer protection regulations. Regularly checking flight status through the airline's mobile app or official website is a necessary habit to avoid problems at the airport.
Passengers whose travel plans are on affected routes should proactively contact their travel agent or airline to process cancellations and itinerary changes.
For frequent travelers, the best advice is to always maintain a proactive attitude. Before making any travel plans, especially during major holidays or peak travel seasons, checking the "latest domestic flight schedule" and monitoring announcements from ACV (Airports Corporation of Vietnam) is a crucial first step. Transparency in information from airport management units will help passengers minimize risks and enjoy their journey to the fullest. Airlines adjusting their networks is part of economic dynamics, and savvy consumers know how to utilize official information channels to take control of their travel plans.
