Vietnam Airlines reopens all domestic flights
As Vietnam slowly marches its way out of the COVID-19 outbreak and restarts its economy, we’re seeing significant progress in domestic air travel.
As of 29th May, Vietnam Airlines had reopened all of its domestic air routes – slightly over one month after Vietnam lifted its nationwide lockdown on 23th April. While international air routes will take more time to reopen, this development means that tourism within the country is good to go.
Not only does this move by Vietnam Airlines mark the recovery of local airlines, it also speaks volumes about Vietnam’s success in pandemic control, as well as citizens’ increasing confidence in air travel.
Many more passengers have flown since the lockdown was eased
Image credit: Vietnam Airlines
Not only did Vietnam Airlines see a drastic increase in the number of passengers this year, but the number of its flights also exceeded by 36% compared to that of May 2019, the Ministry of Transport said.
The total number of flights operated by Vietnam Airlines since the lift on lockdown measures has amounted up to over 350 commercial and cargo flights.
Image credit: Vietnam Airlines
This spike shows the rapid recovery of Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam’s aviation industry in general. As Vietnam is successfully putting the COVID-19 pandemic under control, Vietnamese people are regaining confidence in flying again despite the ongoing global pandemic.
Vietnam Airlines open more domestic flights
In addition to the reopening of domestic flights, Vietnamese Airlines announced on 1st June morning that it will open 6 new domestic air routes to meet the travel demands of passengers.
The new lights that will connect Hai Phong – home to the world’s longest cable car – to Da Lat, Can Tho, Buon Ma Thuot, and Phu Quoc, as well as Vinh to Can Tho, shall commence on 12th June.
Cat Ba island in Hai Phong City
Image credit: Amazing Things in Vietnam
Flights connecting Can Tho to Buon Ma Thuot will also be launched, starting on 22nd June.
A festival in Can Tho Province
Image credit: Cần Thơ
No confirmation on the reopening of international flights
At the request of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) is drafting plans to reopen some international air routes, which will be submitted on 10th June for approval.
For the time being, Vietnam is still keeping its borders closed as the COVID-19 pandemic is developing complications in many other countries. According to CAAV, Vietnam will only consider granting permissions to reopen international air routes when the COVID-19 pandemic has ended globally.
Travellers enjoy better deals from airlines and tour operators after COVID-19
To revitalize the tourism industry, tour operators and airline agencies have been offering promotions and discounts to local travellers. Apart from Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways also recently announced its expansion of more local air routes in response to traveller demand. With more options in air routes and air fares, local residents are also encouraged to travel more.
Even though the drop in international tourists has taken a toll on the tourism industry, things are gradually looking up as domestic air travel and air routes are on the rise.
Also check out:
- Saigon events in May and June 2020
- Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport is world’s top 100 airports
- Bamboo Airways to expand its air routes to 85 within 2020
Cover image adapted from: Vietnam Airlines
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