A Vietnam Airlines plane at Noi Bai International Airport. Photo: Huy Hung/VNA
A survey in the first half of August 2024 found that the average airfare offered by Vietnamese airlines ranged from 35% to 65% of the maximum regulated rate.
According to a survey conducted on July 31, 2024, on the price of air tickets (excluding taxes and fees) for basic economy class on domestic routes with high traffic volume (such as Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi – Danang, Hanoi – Cam Ranh/Nha Trang, and Hanoi – Phu Quoc) in the first half of August 2024, the average airfare offered by Vietnamese airlines ranged from 35% to 65% of the maximum regulated rate.
Specifically, on the “golden route” between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the highest airfare was offered by Vietnam Airlines at approximately VND 2.2 million one-way, equivalent to 65% of the maximum rate of VND 3.4 million (for flights departing after 5:00 PM on Friday, August 2, right before the weekend). On other days and at different departure times, the airfares were significantly lower, with the lowest being offered by Vietravel Airlines at nearly VND 750,000 one-way, equivalent to 26% of the maximum rate (from August 5 to 15, departing before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM).
The Hanoi – Danang route, also a busy domestic route, witnessed the highest airfares on the days closest to the survey period (August 1-2) by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, at approximately VND 1.6 million one-way, equivalent to 56% of the maximum rate of VND 2.89 million (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM). For flights departing on later dates, the airfares offered by all carriers were significantly lower, with some days seeing airfares as low as 25% of the maximum rate; Vietravel Airlines even offered tickets for as low as VND 300,000 one-way, or 12% of the maximum rate (departing after 5:00 PM from August 5 to 13).
Another popular domestic route during the summer holiday season is Hanoi – Cam Ranh (Nha Trang). The highest airfare observed during the survey period was on the weekend of August 3, at nearly VND 2.5 million one-way (72% of the maximum rate of VND 3.4 million) offered by Vietnam Airlines for flights between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. For this route, Vietjet Air offered the lowest average airfare during the survey period, starting at just 25% of the maximum rate.
The Hanoi – Dalat route maintained relatively stable airfares throughout most of the survey period. For a departure date of August 2, Vietnam Airlines offered tickets at approximately VND 2.9 million for daytime flights, equivalent to 80% of the maximum rate of VND 3.4 million. For other dates during this period, airfares ranged between 30% and 40% of the maximum rate. Vietjet Air’s airfares for the entire period were significantly lower than the maximum rate, ranging from VND 800,000 to VND 1.1 million, or 24% to 30%. Bamboo Airway is also operating on this route, with airfares during the survey period fluctuating between 25% and 50% of the maximum rate.
For the domestic route with the longest distance in Vietnam, Hanoi – Phu Quoc, only two airlines are currently operating: Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. The maximum regulated rate for this route is VND 4 million. According to the survey, the highest airfare offered by Vietnam Airlines was VND 3.05 million, or 76% of the maximum rate (departing on the morning of August 8). For other departure dates during this period, both Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are offering tickets at 30-50% of the maximum rate.
Notably, for early morning or late-night flights on dates further from the survey period, Vietnam Airlines is offering tickets at only 27% of the maximum rate (August 13-14), while Vietjet Air’s tickets start at just 20% of the maximum rate (August 6-15).
Overall, airfares tend to be higher during the daytime, especially between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, compared to early morning or late-night flights.
According to the Vietnam Aviation Authority, this is understandable and aligns with passenger preferences and demands, especially among tourists who value the convenience of daytime flights for their travel plans and accommodation arrangements.
Currently, some localities like Ho Chi Minh City and travel companies have introduced programs to support accommodations for passengers choosing to fly during late-night or early morning hours. This not only provides passengers with more options and helps reduce travel costs but also contributes to easing the transportation pressure on airlines during daytime hours.
The Vietnam Aviation Authority stated that it is inevitable for airfares to fluctuate, with higher prices for last-minute bookings and lower prices for bookings made well in advance. This trend can occur at any time of the year.
The Vietnam Aviation Authority always advises passengers to plan their trips in advance and book flights through official channels to secure the most suitable airfares.
Additionally, during this period, passengers can consider adjusting their travel plans and personal schedules to opt for early morning or late-night flights, thereby gaining additional benefits and experiencing the services offered by domestic airlines during these off-peak hours.
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