According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, in the face of fuel supply constraints, Vietnam Airlines will focus on maintaining national connectivity and major domestic trunk routes serving travel, trade and tourism demand.

From April 1, the carrier is expected to temporarily suspend several routes, including Hai Phong - Buon Ma Thuot, Hai Phong - Cam Ranh, Hai Phong - Phu Quoc, Hai Phong - Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don, Ho Chi Minh City - Rach Gia and Ho Chi Minh City - Dien Bien, totaling 23 flights per week.

Other domestic airlines are also preparing plans to impose fuel surcharges on international routes, potentially starting in early April if market conditions do not improve.

Amid the fuel squeeze, carriers are being forced to reassess flight frequency and network efficiency.

A representative of Bamboo Airways said its routes will be maintained but with reduced frequency to ensure operational efficiency. In the coming period, the airline will concentrate resources on key trunk routes such as Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang, along with high-demand tourism destinations including Quy Nhon and Cam Ranh.

At the same time, the airline will continue operating international charter flights to China and the Philippines.

According to its plan, Bamboo Airways will retain flights during peak periods, though frequency may be lower than the same period last year if fuel prices continue to rise. If necessary, ticket prices may be adjusted, but still within the government-regulated price framework.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam noted that between March 20 and 22, global energy prices continued to surge. In Asia, Jet A-1 fuel prices in Singapore ranged between US$220 and US$230 per barrel.

A survey conducted on March 20 among nearly 40 airlines found that more than 60% have already increased or plan to increase costs due to fuel prices. Airlines are mainly applying two approaches: adjusting base fares directly (up 5–20% depending on route and class) or imposing separate fuel surcharges (YQ/YR), ranging from about VND130,000 (US$5) to over VND10 million (US$400) per ticket.

For cargo transport, some airlines are applying surcharges of around VND17,000-40,000 (approximately US$0.7-1.6) per kilogram. In Vietnam, carriers are also developing plans to introduce fuel surcharges for international routes, expected to begin in early April 2026.

Under rising cost pressure, domestic airlines have proposed that the Government consider reducing environmental protection taxes and aviation fuel taxes, maintaining a 0% import tax on fuel sourced outside ASEAN, and introducing measures such as tax deferrals, interest support, debt restructuring and adjustments to aviation service fees at airports.

Earlier in March, reports from Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and other carriers indicated that if Jet A-1 prices remain at US$200-230 per barrel, Vietnam Airlines’ operating costs could increase by 50–60% per month, while Sun Phu Quoc could see a rise of about 30%. VietJet Air’s operating costs could climb by approximately VND2,000 billion (around US$80 million) per month.

Surging fuel prices are pushing many routes into loss-making territory, prompting airlines to review their flight plans and consider adjusting frequencies or restructuring route networks from April to reduce fuel consumption.

 
Vu Diep