Air ticket prices to Ho Chi Minh City soar ahead of Vietnam’s 50th Reunification Anniversary

According to travel agents and tour operators, the celebrations, which include parades, fireworks, and cultural events, have sparked a rush of visitors.

On short routes like Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang-Ho Chi Minh City, prices have risen 20-30 percent, ranging from VND1.2 million (US$46) to VND2.5 million ($96) per one-way ticket, depending on the airline and booking time.

Longer routes such as Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City and Vinh-Ho Chi Minh City have seen steeper increases, with prices jumping 30-50 percent, reaching VND1.8 million ($69) to VND3.5 million ($134).

A survey of major airlines’ websites shows significant price differences.

Vietjet offers a range of prices from VND1 million ($38) to VND2.5 million, while Vietnam Airlines lists tickets between VND1.5 million ($57) and VND3.5 million.

Bamboo Airways’ fares range from VND1.2 million to VND2.8 million ($107), with fewer flights available.

Prices may rise further in the days to come as seats become scarce, with booking rates on many routes already reaching 70-80 percent.

One airline representative confirmed that despite increased flight availability, demand will still exceed supply during the holiday period.

“Price hikes are inevitable during peak periods,” the representative said.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, more than 7,500 domestic flights are scheduled over the five-day Reunification Day holiday, offering approximately 1.5 million seats — up over 20 percent from regular days and last year’s anniversary.

Ho Chi Minh City will see 5,083 flights, a 21-percent increase, with Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City flights up 16 percent year on year.

Tran The Dung, CEO of Vietnamese travel firm Vietluxtour, also reported a 50-percent increase in early bookings for Ho Chi Minh City tour packages this month compared to the same period last year.