Vietnam domestic airfares dip below US$40 on some routes
DNO - Vietnam domestic airfares have dropped below VND1 million (around US$40) on many popular routes in late July, making travel to Da Nang, Phu Quoc and other leading destinations more affordable.
Cheaper flights to Da Nang
The price decline marks a notable shift in the peak summer travel season, when airfares traditionally remain high because of strong demand.
Travellers departing from Ho Chi Minh City can now find one-way tickets to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Tuy Hoa and Buon Ma Thuot for less than VND1 million if they book one to two weeks in advance.
The Ho Chi Minh City- Da Nang route, for instance, offers one of the clearest examples. Tickets that cost between VND1.9 million and VND2.4 million just over a month ago are now available from around VND800,000 to just above VND1 million after taxes.
However, the lowest fares are generally available on late-evening departures, such as flights leaving at around 9:30 p.m.
In a similar vein, travellers flying between Ha Noi and Da Nang can also secure tickets below VND1 million by booking early and remaining flexible with their travel dates.
Industry observers note that the cheapest fares are usually available on midweek departures or late-night and early-morning flights. Tickets for weekend services or popular daytime schedules continue to command higher prices.
Limited availability also means low fares may disappear quickly, especially when booking for multiple passengers.
Travellers are therefore advised to consider the total cost of their journey rather than focusing solely on the headline airfare.
Flights arriving late at night, for example, may require additional spending on airport transfers or late hotel check-ins.
Airlines also remind passengers to review the final payment amount, as checked baggage, seat selection and other optional services can significantly increase the overall fare.
What is driving the sharp decline in airfares?
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the fare reduction reflects several positive developments in the aviation market.
Airlines have expanded their fleets, while the launch of Sun Phu Quoc Airways has added new capacity, increasing the number of seats on domestic routes by more than 10% compared with the same period last year.
Carriers have also introduced additional flights on key domestic routes, particularly during overnight and early-morning hours. Airfares during these off-peak periods are typically 30-50% lower than those during peak travel times.
At the same time, airlines have rolled out promotional campaigns for early bookings, group travel and midweek departures, with discounts of up to 20%.
Lower operating costs have also supported the downward trend. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that the global average price of aviation fuel fell by 11.4% week-on-week to US$141.64 per barrel, easing cost pressures on airlines and allowing them to offer more seats at lower prices.
For Vietnam's tourism industry, the decline in domestic airfares is an encouraging development.
More affordable flights make it easier for travellers to explore destinations across the country, while helping stimulate demand during the busy summer holiday season and supporting the continued recovery and growth of domestic tourism.