To accommodate the surge in travel demand during the National Day holiday on September 2nd, airlines have strategically planned to expand their flight schedules, providing millions of additional seats.

On August 13th, a spokesperson from Vietnam Airlines revealed that during the peak holiday period from August 30th to September 4th, the airline will significantly increase its flight frequency. The total number of seats available across both domestic and international routes is expected to reach approximately half a million, equivalent to nearly 2,500 flights.

The airline will prioritize boosting the frequency of flights on domestic routes connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, as well as Dalat and Cam Ranh, and between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, Phu Quoc, among others. The number of domestic seats is projected to hit 330,000, corresponding to over 1,700 flights, marking a more than 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

International routes with the highest increase in flights will be those linking Vietnam with India, China, Thailand, and Australia. The total number of international seats is anticipated to exceed 150,000, equivalent to over 650 flights, reflecting a modest increase from the previous year. The airline has observed that key domestic tourist routes are nearing 50% capacity and expects this rate to rise rapidly. International routes to India, China, Thailand, and Australia are also showing positive results, with occupancy rates ranging from 50% to 70%.

Ensuring adequate capacity during the National Day peak period represents a considerable effort by Vietnam Airlines amid the aviation industry’s ongoing aircraft shortages due to global engine recalls for inspection. In recent months, Vietnam Airlines has bolstered its fleet with one Airbus A320neo and one Boeing 787-10 to better meet the heightened travel demand.

To ensure a smooth journey, the airline advises passengers to book their tickets early to secure a broader range of flight options and potentially more favorable fares. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to utilize self-check-in services to streamline the process during the busy season. Options include online check-in via www.vietnamairlines.com, mobile check-in, telephone check-in, or using self-service kiosks at the airport.