HCMC — Domestic and international air carriers are seen reducing flight frequencies and introducing fuel surcharges on international routes starting April 1, following a sudden spike in jet fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) announced on March 23 that limited supplies of Jet A-1 fuel have forced airlines to restructure their operations to mitigate rising costs.
While national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines aims to maintain vital domestic and international corridors, it will suspend 23 flights per week on several domestic routes, including connections from Haiphong and HCMC to regional hubs. They consist of Haiphong – Buon Ma Thuot, Haiphong – Cam Ranh, Haiphong – Phu Quoc, Haiphong – Can Tho, HCMC – Van Don, HCMC – Rach Gia and HCMC – Dien Bien.
The global energy market has seen Brent crude hovering between US$110–US$120 per barrel, while Jet A-1 prices in Asia have surged to US$220–US$230 per barrel. This unprecedented price gap, according to CAAV, has prompted Vietnamese airlines to follow a global trend of implementing fuel surcharges since earlier next month.
A recent survey of 40 international carriers conducted by the CAAV showed that over 60% have already adjusted their pricing, either by integrating costs into base fares or applying flexible surcharges ranging from VND130,000 to VND10 million per ticket, depending on the distance and service class.
For cargo transport, firms have already implemented fuel surcharges between VND17,000 and VND40,000 per kilogram. In Vietnam, the priority remains ensuring national connectivity and external economic activities, but the CAAV warns that further adjustments may be necessary if the supply chain disruptions in the Middle East persist.
