HCMC – The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) is working with the Chinese authorities over the easing of China’s restrictions on slots for the 2023 summer flight schedules.
China lifted restrictions on regular international flights and eased immigration policy on January 8.
But it is tough to get back to the pre-pandemic flight frequency for the 2023 summer flight schedules, from March 26 to October 28, especially for flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, according to local air carriers.
Vietnamese carriers including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines and Vietravel Airlines proposed the CAAV continue working with the Chinese Aviation Authority to relax slot restrictions for this summer’s flight schedules on the principle of reciprocity.
They also proposed relevant ministries consider an appropriate visa policy for Chinese guests, creating favorable conditions for the resumption and development of the air transport market and tourism.
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, China was the largest source market for Vietnam’s tourism with over 5.8 million Chinese coming to Vietnam in 2019, making up one-third of international arrivals to Vietnam that year.
Earlier, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines resumed its first regular flight from HCMC to Guangzhou, China, on December 2022 after a nearly-three-year suspension induced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
