Nội Bài International Airport. — VNA/VNS Photo

The Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam has recently issued a communication to Việt Nam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines regarding their operational plans and preparations for the peak period of the Lunar New Year of 2024.

In an effort to address the travel needs of the public, facilitate the transportation of goods, and ensure order and safety during the Lunar New Year (from January 25 to February 24, 2024, equivalent to December 15 to January 15 in the lunar calendar), the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam has requested Vietnamese airlines submit reports detailing market demand, operational strategies, and the necessity for slot allocations (takeoff and landing times) at airports.

Furthermore, the airlines are expected to present plans outlining their intentions to increase capacity on specific routes during the Tết holiday season. These plans will be compared and evaluated against the corresponding period during the Lunar New Year in 2023, with any recommendations regarding capacity adjustments included.

Previously, to cater to the travel demand anticipated during the Lunar New Year of the Dragon in 2024, the Việt Nam Airlines Group (comprising Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO) announced the availability of three million seats across their entire domestic and international flight network. This offering will be available from January 25 to February 24, 2024.

A spokesperson from Vietnam Airlines stated that this seat allocation encompasses approximately 15,000 flights, including two million seats for domestic routes (comprising 10,300 flights) and over one million seats for international routes (spanning 4,650 flights).

According to leaders at Vietravel Airlines, based on the need for family reunions, visiting relatives, and travel during the 2024 Lunar New Year, they anticipate a significant increase in passenger travel demand compared to 2023.

"It is anticipated that the total number of passengers flying during the 2024 Lunar New Year will reach 10 million, marking a 15 per cent increase compared to 2023," representatives of Vietravel Airlines said.

In order to meet the demands of these passengers, Vietravel Airlines has outlined plans to provide over 100,000 seats across their domestic and international flight network from January 25 to February 24, 2024.

"Airfares during the 2024 Lunar New Year are expected to rise higher than regular days. Nevertheless, Vietravel Airlines is committed to complying to the pricing regulations set forth by the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam, and simultaneously, we will introduce special promotional programmes tailored for the Tết season," a leader at Vietravel Airlines said.

Explaining the rationale behind Vietnam Airlines' early launch of Tết holiday ticket sales, a representative clarified that it is a customary practice for Vietnam Airlines to commence Tết holiday sales 5-6 months before the departure date, a tradition that has been upheld for several years.

Moreover, from a technical standpoint, airlines are permitted to initiate sales 330 days prior to the departure date. The decision to commence Tết holiday sales at this juncture facilitates advanced planning and budgeting for passengers and their families in preparation for the forthcoming year's most significant holiday.

"We are also gearing up to unveil enticing flight ticket programmes to empower customers to make proactive choices and organise their Tết holiday arrangements," a representative of Vietnam Airlines said. — VNS