This increase in capacity is expected to ease ticket prices, providing more options for those planning their holiday getaways.

A representative from Vietnam Airlines announced on August 13th that the airline would increase the number of flights during the peak National Day holiday period from August 30th to September 4th. It plans to offer nearly half a million seats across its domestic and international networks, corresponding to nearly 2,500 flights.

It will primarily focus on boosting frequencies on domestic routes between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and popular destinations such as Da Nang, Da Lat, and Cam Ranh, as well as routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, Phu Quoc, among others. The total number of domestic seats will reach 330,000, equivalent to more than 1,700 flights, representing a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

"The international routes with the most increased flights are between Vietnam and India, China, Thailand, and Australia. The total number of international seats will exceed 150,000, corresponding to more than 650 flights, a slight increase from last year," the Vietnam Airlines representative added.

Similarly, from August 30th to September 4th, Vietravel Airlines will offer nearly 28,000 seats. The airline representative noted that as of August 13th, the most popular routes are Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang/Quy Nhon and Hanoi - Da Nang, as well as Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City - Bangkok.

Vietnam Airlines reported that nearly 50% of key domestic tourist routes are already booked, with demand expected to rise quickly in the coming days. International routes to India, China, Thailand, and Australia have also shown positive results, with occupancy rates ranging from 50% to 70%.

Ensuring smooth travel during the National Day holiday is a significant effort by airlines, especially amid a global aircraft shortage caused by manufacturers recalling engines for inspection.

In recent months, Vietnam Airlines has added an Airbus A320neo and a Boeing 787-10 to its fleet to better serve the peak travel demand.

Similarly, from August through the end of 2024, Vietjet plans to receive 10 new-generation aircraft to serve passengers on domestic and international routes.

Bamboo Airways is also expected to add more aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2024. Additionally, the airline is working to increase the average daily flight hours per aircraft to around 12.5 and add more night flights to maximize capacity during the National Day peak period.

In a related development, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam recently issued a directive to domestic airlines, urging them to collaborate with travel agencies to create comprehensive travel programs and plans for key domestic and international tourism destinations.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has also requested that airlines report on their fleet operation plans, demand forecasts, additional flights, and ticket sales for flights to/from major tourist destinations during the National Day holiday.

According to ticket sales platforms, there is an abundant supply of tickets for most routes, and prices have cooled compared to the beginning of the year.

To ensure a smooth journey, experts recommend that passengers book their tickets well in advance of their intended departure date to secure a wider selection of flights and potentially lower fares.

Additionally, passengers are encouraged to use self-check-in options to save time, such as online check-in via websites, mobile apps, telephone check-in, or self-service kiosks at the airport.

N. Huyen