According to statistics from the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority, in the past nine months of this year, Vietnamese carriers, including Vietnam Airlines Group (Vietnam Airlines, Vasco, Pacific Airlines), Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines, operated a total of 194,027 flights.
Passengers checking in. Photo: Phan Cong
Of these, Vietnam Airlines operated 83,552 flights with an on-time performance of 83%. Vietjet Air operated a total of 83,326 flights with a 63% on-time rate. Bamboo Airways operated 13,064 flights with an on-time performance of 82.8%.Vietravel operated 4,910 flights with an on-time rate of 81.5%. VASCO operated 5,461 flights with an impressive 85% on-time performance, making it the most punctual domestic carrier.
Consequently, the average on-time performance of all carriers was 74.2%, according to the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority.
In the past nine months, delayed flights accounted for a significant proportion, with 25.8% (equivalent to 50,031 out of 194,027 flights) being delayed.
Vietnam Airlines had 14,212 delayed flights (17% of its total operated flights), Vietjet Air had 30,818 delayed flights (37%), Bamboo Airways had 2,250 (17.2%), Vietravel had 908 (18.5%), Pacific Airlines had 1,050 (28.3%), and VASCO had 793 delayed flights (14.5%).
Late incoming flights were the primary cause of delays, accounting for 59.4% of cases, with carrier-related issues contributing 29.3%.
In September alone, Vietnamese carriers operated 17,720 flights, a significant decrease from the previous month, with an on-time performance of 76.6%. Delayed flights also reached 4,142, or 23.4%.
The most common cause of flight delays was late incoming aircraft. This reflects the fact that when an aircraft arrives late, it can impact not only the subsequent flights of the same carrier but also those of other carriers at the airport due to the interdependent nature of airline operations.
According to the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority, the main reason for the high number of delayed flights is the significant reduction in the transport force and fleet size of Vietnamese carriers, resulting in a sharp decrease in supply capacity on their routes.
The aviation industry has implemented a range of synchronized solutions, focusing on adjusting flight schedules, reducing turn-around times, optimizing daily flight operations, and increasing flights during the afternoon and evening peak hours.
Currently, the average daily flight operation duration for carriers has increased compared to the same period in 2023. Vietnam Airlines’ fleet now averages 13 hours per aircraft per day, a 22% increase; Vietjet Air’s fleet averages 14.5 hours per day, an 11.5% increase. Vietravel Airlines’ fleet averages 11.5 hours per day, a 21% increase, while Bamboo Airways’ fleet has an average daily operation of 12.5 hours, a 20.1% increase.
However, this solution also presents challenges, including a potential increase in technical issues and flight cancellations. The Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority has directed carriers to enhance aircraft maintenance checks before and during the peak season and coordinate closely with ground handling agents to ensure efficient flight operations.
Looking ahead, carriers plan to receive additional aircraft and lease more planes to reduce supply pressure on existing routes and better meet passenger demand.
Over a Quarter of Vietnamese Airlines Flights “Delayed”
The average on-time departure performance of airlines for the first three quarters of 2024 was a mere 74.2%, a decline compared to previous years.
The Skies Open Up: Aviation Giants Prepare for Takeoff with a Fleet of New Aircraft Ahead of Lunar New Year
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, the country’s leading airlines, are planning to expand their fleets by acquiring additional aircraft. This strategic move underscores the carriers’ commitment to enhancing their operational capabilities and accommodating the growing demand for air travel in Vietnam and beyond. With these new additions to their fleets, the airlines are poised to elevate their services, offering passengers increased flight options, improved connectivity, and a more seamless travel experience.
Sustainable Air Routes: The North Star for Airline Action
Climate change and its impact on the world have been devastating, with extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent and intense. The wrath of Mother Nature has left the world vulnerable, as unpredictable and complex tropical storms wreak havoc, resulting in catastrophic loss of life and property.
“Sustainable Growth Hand-in-Hand with Con Dao Island.”
In pursuit of sustainable development in Con Dao, aviation and high-speed boat businesses have actively risen to the occasion with a plethora of supportive initiatives. These initiatives are designed to materialize the goal of fostering economic and social growth while safeguarding the environment.
The First Airline in Vietnam to Launch Direct Flights to Italy
Vietnam Airlines is proud to announce the launch of its new non-stop route from Hanoi to Milan, Italy, commencing July 1, 2025. With this new service, Vietnam’s flag carrier becomes the first and only Vietnamese airline to operate direct flights to Italy, marking a significant milestone for the carrier and enhancing connectivity between the two countries.
