Air travel demand holds steady during Reunification, Labor Day holidays

Vietnam’s air transport market showed stable and positive performance during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and the Reunification – Labor Day holiday period (April 30 – May 1), with demand distributed more evenly and no widespread congestion reported.

Despite volatility in aviation fuel prices driven by tensions in the Middle East, flexible government policies, particularly measures by the Ministry of Construction to reduce fuel-related taxes, fees, and infrastructure costs, helped maintain operational stability across the sector. As a result, there were no significant ticket shortages.

The close timing of the two holidays created an extended break, allowing travelers to plan more effectively. This contributed to a more balanced distribution of demand and reduced peak-day pressure compared to previous years.

In the early phase of the holiday period (April 25, 26, 29, and 30), booking rates on major routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City remained relatively low, with a significant number of seats still available. On the key Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi route, load factors ranged between 20 and 40 percent.

In contrast, select routes to niche destinations recorded strong demand, with occupancy rates exceeding 90 percent. These included Ho Chi Minh City-Tuy Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City-Con Dao, Hanoi-Tuy Hoa, Hanoi-Chu Lai, and Hanoi-Dong Hoi.

Return travel demand increased toward the end of the holiday, particularly on routes back to major urban centers such as Ho Chi Minh City. However, overall booking levels remained moderate, with only a few routes, including Con Dao-Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Hoi-Hanoi, surpassing 80 percent occupancy.

Airfares during the early phase (April 25-29) for economy-class tickets on the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route ranged from VND3.6 to 4.2 million (approximately US$137-159). Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways recorded the highest fares, followed by Vietjet Air and Vietravel Airlines. Prices were comparable to those seen during the 2026 Lunar New Year and reflected an 8-10 percent year-on-year increase, driven by rising operational costs but remaining within regulated limits.

Fares remained elevated on peak travel days. On April 29, Ho Chi Minh City-Da Nang tickets ranged from VND2.7 to 3.2 million on Vietnam Airlines, while Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways offered fares between VND1.8 and 2.6 million. Hanoi-Da Nang routes saw prices between VND2.6 and 3.8 million on Vietnam Airlines and VND2.1 to 2.9 million on other carriers.

Long-haul leisure routes also recorded high pricing. Hanoi-Phu Quoc fares reached up to VND4.8 million on Vietnam Airlines, while Vietjet Air offered tickets between VND3 and 4.6 million. Ho Chi Minh City-Phu Quoc fares ranged from VND1.8 to 3 million, and Hanoi-Cam Ranh from VND3.5 to 4.2 million.

Toward the end of the holiday period, return fares rose sharply. On May 3, Cam Ranh-Hanoi tickets reached VND3.9 to 4.2 million on Vietjet Air, with many economy seats on other airlines already sold out. Similarly, Cam Ranh-Ho Chi Minh City fares ranged from VND2 to 3.1 million, while most economy seats on Phu Quoc-Hanoi flights were fully booked. Phu Quoc-Ho Chi Minh City tickets ranged from VND1.9 to 3 million, depending on the carrier.

Overall, the holiday period highlighted a more balanced travel pattern, with stable supply, controlled pricing, and a growing preference for diversified destinations beyond traditional peak routes.