​Airfares in Vietnam unlikely to drop despite growing competition

Even though Vietnam’s aviation market anticipates the introduction of a new airline by the end of 2018 and more likely to come in the near future, experts are skeptical passengers will benefit from dropping airfares despite growing competition

The country’s only four locally owned airlines – Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Jetstar Pacific and VASCO – are handling domestic air travel demands for its booming population of over 92 million.

In essence, it is a two-horse race between privately-owned VietJet and national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, as the latter holds the majority stake at both VASCO and Jetstar Pacific.

With such potential for growth, a number of Vietnamese enterprises have applied to open their own airlines, hoping for a successful entrance into the ludicrous market.

In April, local conglomerate FLC Group announced that their own airline brand, Bamboo Airways, would be ready to conduct its maiden flight in the fourth quarter of 2018 despite not having received a license from authorities as of June.

The airline has already recruited a former Vietnam Airlines deputy general director to take charge as its top leader, and is looking to hire 92 pilots and 250 flight attendants.

According to a Bamboo Airways representative, it looks to brand itself as a ‘hybrid’ airline, offering air travel experience at a lower cost than full-service airlines but not cheaper than budget airlines.

Meanwhile, the picture looks gloomier for other airlines looking to earn their share of the market.

Globaltrans Air, a potential Vietnamese airline with VND100 billion (US$4.4 million) in charter capital, had its aviation business license revoked in November 2016 after failing to conduct any commercial flight for 18 months since receiving the license as per Vietnamese laws.

Vietstar Airlines had plans to launch commercial flights in early 2016 but has faced hurdles in applying for aviation business license due to overloading at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where the airline plans to place its hub.

Asia’s top budget airline AirAsia is also looking to partner with Vietnamese hospitality group Thien Minh to found a new low-cost airline in Vietnam, but the plan has not moved forward as of 2018.

Lower airfares unlikely

Nguyen Thanh Trung, an experienced commercial pilot, thinks passengers will be presented with more options when new airlines are introduced to the market, but considers it too soon to expect substantial changes airfare-wise.

“Of course there will be some sort of reduction [in airfares], but it will be moderate at most,” he said.

This is especially true considering the fact that a large part of airfares are made up of airport service charges and other surcharges rather than the price of the ticket itself.

In April, local carriers and airports announced that they would start applying higher rates to a number of services.

From April 1 to June 30, airport service charges at multiple airdromes, including Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai in Hanoi, Da Nang in the namesake central city, and others, will also rise from VND80,000 (US$3.5) to VND85,000 (US$4).

The fee will become VND100,000 (US$4.5) from July 1, in accordance with a plan set up by the Ministry of Transport.

Passenger and Baggage Security Screening Service Charges will also increase from VND12,000 (US$0.5) to VND16,000 (US$0.7) from April 1.

This was the second time that local airports had adjusted their service charges in 2018.

TuoitreNews

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.