Recent statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (Ministry of Transport) show that ticket bookings for domestic flights during the peak summer period (June 15 to July 15) are still low. Higher booking rates are only seen on select routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to popular tourist destinations.

As of June 14, the average booking rate for flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to other localities reached about 50% for the upcoming weekend (June 15-17). For dates further out, the booking rates are still very low, ranging from 20-40%.

Some tourist routes have higher rates on weekends, such as Hanoi to Quy Nhon (80.7% on June 15; 72.5% on June 16), Hanoi to Phu Quoc (74.9% on June 15), and Ho Chi Minh City to Dien Bien (78.3% on June 15).

On return flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the booking rates are similar, with averages over 60% for nearby dates and 20-40% for dates further out.

A survey by VietNamNet reveals that flights from Hanoi to Quy Nhon, departing on the afternoon or evening of June 15 or on June 16, still have tickets available from Bamboo Airways and Vietjet Air, priced over 2.7 million VND per trip. Routes from Hanoi to Nha Trang and Da Nang also have many available tickets, priced between 1.2-2.5 million VND per trip.

From Ho Chi Minh City, flights to Nha Trang on June 16 are relatively available, with ticket prices starting at 1.67 million VND per trip. Flights to Da Nang on June 15-16 also have a large number of tickets, with prices starting at 1.3 million VND per trip.

Challenges of flying at 'bad times'

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam notes that airlines are offering various ticket classes, with prices significantly lower than the ceiling price of basic economy class on domestic flights. However, average airfares remain high and are about 20% more expensive than the same period last year.

Many passengers opt for flights departing at night or early in the morning to save money, but the fatigue caused by these "bad times" often outweighs the savings. For instance, Mr. Le T.Q's family from Ha Dong district, Hanoi, took a night flight from Nha Trang to Hanoi, saving 5-6 million VND but facing delays and fatigue.

"We had to check out at 12 noon. The whole family waited in the hotel lobby before heading to the beach to pass the time until dinner. At 10 pm, we went to the airport and waited for another three hours. Even adults were exhausted, let alone the two children. Next time, I won't dare fly at this time," he lamented.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam advises passengers to book tickets early to secure better prices and availability. Early bookings also help airlines optimize resources, reduce flight cancellations, and manage aircraft operations more effectively.

Ngoc Ha