Domestic airfares cool down

Domestic airfares in March 2024 are cooling down - Photo: CONG TRUNG

Based on supply and demand, many experts predict that airfares will "cool down" until before the April 30 and May 1 holidays.

Many flights are having reduced fares.

According to the ticket sales system of 5 domestic airlines in the period from March to mid-April 2024, ticket prices are decreasing, some routes are decreasing by 30-50% compared to Tet. This is quite surprising to many customers.

At the end of February 2024, many domestic flights after Tet still have high ticket prices, and some routes have a shortage of tickets.

A survey of ticket prices for routes from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Vinh, Nghe An to and from Ho Chi Minh City from March to mid-April 2024 has decreased sharply compared to Tet, averaging 2.5 - 4.2 million VND/round-trip ticket (including taxes and fees), while during Tet it was up to 7 million VND/round-trip ticket.

Routes from the Central region such as Hue, Da Nang, Chu Lai to Ho Chi Minh City cost 2.5 - 3.6 million VND/round trip ticket, while during Tet it is up to 4.5 - 7 million VND. At present, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are maintaining domestic flight frequency and flight schedules more diverse than other airlines.

For tourist destinations, ticket prices are decreasing significantly such as Hanoi - Da Lat, Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh City - Phu Quoc, Nha Trang. The average round-trip ticket price is 2.4 - 3.7 million VND.

After checking the prices on the airline websites, Ms. My Kieu (Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City) booked a flight to Phu Quoc with a group of friends. Departure time is at the end of March.

The ticket price of 1.9 million VND/round trip/passenger, Ms. My Kieu considers it affordable at this time. "I bought the ticket before the peak holiday season, it is cheaper and more convenient. Hotels and entertainment spots in Phu Quoc are more reasonably priced this season, but during the peak season of April 30 or in the summer, the prices are high" - Ms. Kieu said.

Airlines lower ticket prices to stimulate demand

Speaking with Tuoi Tre Online , a representative of an airline said that ticket prices are trending down based on market supply and demand after the peak Tet period, when passenger travel demand cools down.

It is expected that from now until the end of May 2024 (except for the holidays of April 30 and May 1) will be the low season for domestic aviation, and airlines will continue to stimulate demand and launch reasonable fares to attract travelers. This person also acknowledged that fares will increase from the beginning of June when entering the peak summer season.

However, many people working in the aviation and tourism industry are still concerned that airfares will have a short-term adjustment period, and the upward trend in airfares will return quickly, even during the low season. This assessment is based on the sharp decline in the number of aircraft in operation. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet have temporarily grounded a total of dozens of Airbus A321 aircraft to repair engines.

Bamboo Airways CEO Luong Hoai Nam said that it will maintain 8 aircraft and has no plans to increase it during the summer. Vietravel Airlines operates 3 aircraft. Notably, Pacific Airlines is facing the return of aircraft and restructuring, so the airline will have a serious shortage of aircraft from March 15.

Recently, the Civil Aviation Authority requested domestic airlines to proactively plan their operations and have backup plans to supplement the number of aircraft that are lacking due to engine repairs.

During this period of fleet fluctuations, the aviation authority requests that airlines publish daily lists of flights with changed times so that passengers can arrange their travel itineraries appropriately, as well as comply with regulations on public disclosure of price information, to prevent illegal ticket price increases.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gia-ve-may-bay-noi-dia-ha-nhiet-20240313075108058.htm