Domestic air fares rise as back-to-back holidays near in Vietnam
Thursday, March 18, 2021, 11:04 GMT+7
Though Reunification Day on April 30 and International Labor Day on May 1 are still more than a month away, airlines are already hiking their prices for flights during the two holidays in light of soaring demand.
The Reunification Day and International Labor Day fall on the weekend this year, entitling most workers in Vietnam to a four-day break from April 30 to May 3.
Though the holidays are still more than a month away, travelers are already snatching up airline tickets in order to avoid rising ticket prices.
As of Tuesday, air tickets for round trips between April 28 and May 2 to and from major tourism hubs, such as Nha Trang City, Phu Quoc Islands, and Da Nang City ranged from VND750,000-2.5 million ($32-107) each.
For the Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang route, budget carrier Vietjet offers the most competitive price in the country, with tickets ranging from VND500,000-1.1 million ($22-$47).
Bamboo Airways is offering tickets for the same route at prices twenty five percent higher than Vietjet while national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and its subsidiary Pacific Airlines are offering tickets for approximately sixty percent more than Vietjet.
Newcomer Viettravel Airlines has not yet listed tickets for the holiday season, though many expect its new route between Ho Chi Minh City and the Central Highlands resort town of Da Lat will be in high demand.
Many view the rising ticket prices as a sign that domestic tourism is recovering the COVID-19 slump that’s marred the industry for the past year, with experts predicting ticket prices will continue to rise in the coming weeks.
In order to avoid rising prices, airlines suggest that travelers buy their tickets early, rather than stalling in the hope of a price drop.
Meanwhile, travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City are reporting that package tours to Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang are also in high demand thanks to several promotional campaigns and discount offers.
These agencies are particularly keen on attracting independent travelers with competitive deals for airline ticket and accommodation bundles.
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