DALLAS — Vietnam Airlines (VN) is adding capacity, anticipating a surge in travel demand for the upcoming National Liberation Day and May Day holidays.

The Vietnamese flag carrier will introduce over 100 additional domestic and international flights, providing over 15,000 extra seats during the peak travel period from April 26 to May 5, as reported by the Vietnam News. This represents a 10% and 12% increase in capacity for domestic and international routes, respectively.

To cater to traveler preferences, VN is optimizing its fleet utilization by adding early-morning and late-night flights on popular routes. According to the Vietnamese news outlet, a total of 575,000 seats will be provided on 2,900 flights during the peak travel season.

Focus on Tourist Destinations, International Network

The additional flights prioritize connections between major cities like Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) with popular tourist destinations like Da Nang (DAD), Hue (HUI), Quy Nhon (UIH), Nha Trang (NHA), Da Lat (DLI), Phu Quoc (PQC), and Con Dao (COD).

The Hanoi-baser carrier is also increasing flight frequencies to popular international destinations in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. With seat occupancy rates already at 70%, VN expects strong demand during the holiday period.

Industry Challenges, Proactive Measures

Vietnam's aviation industry continues to face challenges due to a lack of aircraft and rising input costs, leading to higher airfares.

To address these constraints, VN has been collaborating with partners and relevant authorities since late 2023 to implement various solutions, to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers during the peak season.