Tan Son Nhat Airport: Fewer Flights and Passengers During 6-Day Peak Holiday Period
On May 2, Tan Son Nhat International Airport reported on its flight operations and passenger services during the six peak days of the April 30th holiday.
A total of 3,961 flights were operated, averaging 660 flights per day. Notably, this number represents an 8.86% decrease compared to 2023 and a 10.04% decrease compared to 2019 (pre-COVID).
The total number of passengers arriving and departing Tan Son Nhat Airport during the peak period of the April 30th holiday was over 652,831, averaging over 108,000 passengers per day. This figure shows a 7.62% decrease compared to the same period last year and a 9.67% decrease compared to 2019.
Tan Son Nhat Airport experiences light traffic during the extended holiday
In contrast, international passenger traffic increased, with an average of 264 flights per day, a 5.87% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of international passengers arriving and departing averaged 44,176 per day, an 11.06% increase from the same period last year.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport reported that its units have proactively arranged staffing, ensured efficient services, coordinated operations, and implemented the proper operational plan. The public areas for passenger pickup and drop-off are organized, with optimized passenger flow to facilitate timely departures and arrivals during peak hours.
These developments are somewhat unexpected considering the positive growth in tourism. According to the National Tourism Administration, during the five-day holiday period from April 27th to May 1st, the tourism industry served an estimated 8 million visitors, a 14.2% increase compared to the same period last year, with approximately 3.6 million overnight stays.
The average room occupancy rate at tourist accommodation facilities nationwide reached around 60%, exceeding 70% during peak days. Several coastal destinations reported occupancy rates of 95-100% during the holiday period.
Most major tourist destinations in the country have recorded positive indicators with increased visitor numbers compared to the same period last year. The regions with the highest number of visitors are Thanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nghe An.
Many families travel by road to Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Nha Trang, and Binh Thuan. Pictured: A family group visiting Duc Thanh School, a historical and cultural site in Phan Thiet City.
Notably, the National Tourism Administration reported that to adapt to rising domestic airfares, many tour operators have diversified their offerings by increasing high-quality bus tours for shorter distances and combining trains, buses, and water transportation for longer distances, reducing tour costs and enhancing guest experiences. There is also a growing trend of self-driving to nearby destinations for more freedom and flexibility during the holiday period.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism stated that due to increased airfares, there has been a significant rise in using rail transportation. Tourists are also opting for self-guided trips using their own vehicles. The number of families traveling by road to destinations such as Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Tien Giang, Can Tho, and Lam Dong has increased.
Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway experiences light traffic in both directions on the last day of the holiday. Photo taken on May 1st.
