Vietnam continues to lead the global pandemic recovery, with a reopening of domestic flight networks offering further cause for optimism at the start of this month. As the country prepares to welcome back international arrivals following its COVID-19 lockdown, the prognosis for Vietnam’s tourism sector is looking good.
True to form in its COVID-19 response, Vietnam has taken a steady approach to reopening its domestic air travel network, to protect the country against any possible resurgence of the pandemic. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), the number of domestic flights has been doubling month-on-month since April.
With COVID-19 under control and social distancing protocols relaxed, domestic aviation services are able to fly safely at full capacity; an indication of robust demand for travel in Vietnam at present.
Local carrier Vietjet announced the complete revival of its services at the end of May, as a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi heralded a return to normal services for the airline. Flights connecting big cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are already fully loaded with passengers, as tourism in Vietnam blows off the cobwebs and prepares for business as usual.
“I am delighted to fly people again throughout the country,” says Phan Phuong An, who is first officer at Vietjet. “The pandemic has been contained in Vietnam and many other countries will soon be pandemic-free, too; step-by-step, I believe the aviation industry will strongly recover,” he added.
Vietnam’s domestic airlines are navigating the new normal in a post-pandemic tourism landscape, blazing a trail for the inbound sector to follow. After receiving approval from CAAV to fully resume operations, many have begun rolling out ticket promotions, with millions of cheap air fares available on all domestic routes. In April, Vietjet announced an exclusive Power Pass that allows passengers to take unlimited domestic flights around the country for the next 12 months. The pass offers unprecedented flexibility for flights, unlimited changes to itineraries and the option to plan travels up to a year ahead.
Vietnam is already issuing e-visas to citizens of 80 countries worldwide, having set 1st July as the date when full inbound flight services will resume. A total of eight airports, along with 16 terrestrial entry points and 13 sea borders will be opened as travel restrictions are lifted, allowing foreigner tourists to enter Vietnam with their new e-visas.
To prepare for their arrival, the Ministry of Transport has instructed CAAV to initiate a revival of commercial international routes on a bilateral basis. Completed on 10th June, this report is currently under review by the government. Further news is expected soon.
Panorama Destination will continue to monitor the news in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. You can follow the latest updates via our social media channels:
