A rapid survey by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) on March 20 found that over 60% of nearly 40 international and regional airlines—including many operating to and from Vietnam—have increased or plan to increase fuel surcharges and airfares from mid-March.
The trend spans major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Budget carrier Vietjet Air of Vietnam recently informed partners that, after assessing market conditions and operational costs, it must adjust ticket prices to maintain operations. International charter flights from Ho Chi Minh City will rise by $18 per one-way journey, or $36 for round trips. The carrier will also revise fuel surcharges on flights between Vietnam and South Korea, effective April 1, 2026.
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines faces similar pressures, with rising costs threatening profitability. Standard fares on the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City route at the end of March now range from VND2.4–3.7 million ($91.2-140) per one-way ticket, or VND5–7 million ($190-266) for round trips, up significantly from around VND3–5 million ($114-190) last year.
In response to the strain on carriers, the CAAV has proposed several relief measures, including a 100% exemption on environmental protection tax for aviation fuel through May 2026, inclusion of aviation fuel in VAT-reduced goods, flexible fuel surcharges based on actual prices, review of domestic fare caps, and a 50% reduction in aviation-related fees such as landing, takeoff, and air navigation charges.
These moves aim to ease financial pressure on airlines while stabilizing fares and supporting sustainable aviation operations amid rising fuel costs.
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