Vietnam proposes increasing domestic capacity amid strong demand

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has proposed allowing its airlines to ramp up capacity on domestic flights, with the aim of reaching “normal operations” by 2022. The authority has written in to the country’s transport ministry with its proposal, citing a number of “problems and shortcomings” in the current regulations around domestic flying. Vietnam has resumed domestic flying in mid-October after battling a particularly lethal wave of coronavirus infections. The country’s carriers are presently allowed one flight a day on key trunk routes, a move which the CAAV says has led to a “focus” on higher ticket prices, “limiting the opportunities for promotional prices, causing frustration among passengers”. It adds that the limited frequencies “make it difficult” for travellers to plan day trips. To this end, the CAAV proposes that airlines be allowed up to 16 flights per day for flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang, between 1 and 14 December. Under the CAAV’s plan, flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air will each be allocated five daily flights, while Bamboo Airways will be allowed three flights a day. Low-cost carrier Pacific Airlines will be allocated two flights a day and start-up Vietravel Airlines will allowed one daily flight. The frequency expansion will allow smaller airlines, like Vietravel Airlines “to participate” in domestic flying, says the CAAV. From 15 to 31 December, the daily frequencies will rise to 20 flights a day for the trunk routes. In the new year, the CAAV suggests doing away with the frequency limits, allowing airlines to “resume normal operations”.<br/>