VietNamNet Bridge – The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has issued a decision fixing the number of additional flights for the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) at 1,270, with Tan Son Nhat (TSN) International Airport in HCMC accounting for a staggering 1,065.

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet aircraft are seen at Tan Son Nhat airport in HCMC. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has issued a decision fixing the number of additional flights for the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) at 1,270

CAAV said the extra flights will be operated from January 16 to February 12. National aircraft carrier Vietnam Airlines will add 380 flights with 76,758 seats, a rise of 6.3% against its normal flight schedules, low-cost carrier Vietjet with 560 flights and 100,800 seats, up 8.9%, and Jetstar Pacific Airlines with 330 flights and 59,400 seats, up 12.7%.

Tan Son Nhat will accommodate an average of 38 more flights per day, up 7.7% compared to the normal days. At this airport, Vietjet will operate an additional 560 flights, up 11.5%, Vietnam Airlines 340 (6.8%), and Jetstar Pacific 165 (13.5%).

It is estimated that the airport would serve 807 flights on a peak day, surging 11% versus normal days. Therefore, CAAV limits the number of landing slots to 38 an hour in the daytime, and 28 at night to guarantee safety and service quality.

The CAAV-approved 1,270 extra flights during Tet represent half the number registered by the carriers.

General director of CAAV Lai Xuan Thanh said the authority had worked with airlines over human resources and ground services and equipment before the number of extra flights was decided.

The majority of additional flights from and to Tan Son Nhat are operated at off-peak hours, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 

SGT