Friday, August 23, 2024 As Vietnam gears up for the four-day National Day holiday from August 31 to September 3, domestic airfares have surged by up to 20%, driven by a spike in travel demand. While these prices are higher than regular days, they remain lower than the peak summer travel season. This significant increase reflects the robust demand for travel to popular domestic tourist destinations, such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, during one of the most important holiday breaks in Vietnam.
Kim Tuyet, a resident of Hanoi, had planned to take her family on a vacation to Da Nang before her children returned to school. Like many other travelers, she noticed the increase in airfare prices as the holiday approached. In early August, she secured round-trip tickets for her family at nearly VND3.
8 million (approximately US$152) per person. Despite the price increase, she described the fare as “reasonable,” especially given the high demand during the holiday season. According to data from Viet Media Travel Company, round-trip airfares from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major domestic tourist destinations during the National Day holiday have risen by 10-20% compared to the low season, which begins in mid-August.
This surge in airfare is a common occurrence during holiday periods when travel demand peaks. Surveys conducted on ticket prices from Vietnamese airlines show that the increase is not uniform across all routes but varies depending on the destination and the timing of the flight. For instance, on the heavily trafficked Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route, the highest one-way fare on Vietnam Airlines for August 30 reached VND2.
6 million, marking an 8% increase from the previous week. During the peak summer travel month of June, this fare had reached up to VND3 million, indicating that while holiday prices are higher, they have not reached summer peaks. Similarly, Vietjet Air’s fares on the same route have seen a substantial increase, with prices reaching VND2.
3 million, a 25% jump from the previous week. This steep increase underscores the heightened demand for air travel during the National Day holiday. On the Hanoi-Nha Trang route, another popular tourist destination, airfares for August 30 ranged from VND2.
4 million to VND3 million for a one-way ticket, representing a 24% increase compared to the previous week. In June, fares for less desirable flight times on this route had peaked at VND3.8 million, showing that even with the current increases, travelers are still paying less than during the height of the summer season.
In response to the anticipated surge in travel during the National Day holiday, Vietnamese airlines have strategically increased their flight schedules to accommodate the growing number of passengers. From August 30 to September 3, airlines will operate more than 4,200 flights, averaging around 840 flights per day. This represents a 3% increase compared to the previous holiday week and a 3.
5% increase compared to the same period in 2023. On domestic routes alone, airlines will operate approximately 600 flights per day, a 5% increase compared to the previous holiday week. The number of available seats on domestic routes is expected to exceed 600,000, with an average of 122,000 seats per day.
This represents a 5% increase compared to the previous holiday week and a 1.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Popular tourist destinations such as Vinh, Binh Dinh, Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc will see an average of 171 flights per day on domestic routes, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the week before the holiday.
This increase in flight frequency and capacity demonstrates the airlines’ efforts to meet the high demand and ensure that as many travelers as possible can reach their holiday destinations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has noted that while ticket prices have increased compared to regular days, the most significant price hikes are typically observed at the beginning and end of the holiday period. This trend is consistent with consumer behavior, as many travelers prefer to fly on these dates to maximize their holiday time.
Consequently, flights departing on August 30 and returning on September 3 are particularly in demand, leading to higher prices. Despite the higher costs, many Vietnamese travelers, like Kim Tuyet, are willing to pay the premium for the convenience of flying during the holiday. The increase in airfares is often seen as a reasonable trade-off for the opportunity to enjoy a family vacation or a getaway before the new school year begins.
Moreover, the relatively lower prices compared to the peak summer season make the National Day holiday an attractive time for domestic travel. For many families, it is one of the last opportunities to travel together before the end of the summer break, further driving demand and contributing to the rise in airfare prices. The increase in airfares and the expanded flight schedules during the National Day holiday underscore the resilience and growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
The holiday period is a critical time for the domestic tourism sector, providing a significant boost to local economies in popular tourist destinations. The additional flights and increased capacity not only facilitate travel for holidaymakers but also contribute to the overall economic activity in these regions. Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in tourist hotspots are expected to benefit from the influx of visitors, helping to sustain jobs and support local communities.
For the airlines, the National Day holiday represents a crucial opportunity to capitalize on the high demand for travel, especially after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to increase flight frequencies and maintain relatively high load factors during this period is essential for the financial health of the aviation industry in Vietnam. As Vietnam approaches the National Day holiday, the increase in domestic airfares by up to 20% highlights the strong demand for travel during this period.
While prices have risen compared to regular days, they remain below the peaks seen during the summer season, making the holiday an attractive time for domestic travel. Airlines have responded to this demand by increasing flight capacity, ensuring that travelers have ample options to reach their desired destinations. For the tourism industry, the holiday represents a vital opportunity to drive economic growth and support local businesses in popular tourist areas.
As families and travelers prepare for their holiday getaways, the combination of increased airfares and expanded flight schedules reflects the dynamic and resilient nature of Vietnam’s travel and tourism sector. With the continued growth of domestic tourism and the strategic planning of airlines, Vietnam’s National Day holiday is set to be a successful and economically beneficial period for both the aviation industry and the broader tourism sector..
