Vietnam's Civil Aviation Authority calls for proactive contingency planning and flight-schedule adjustments amid Middle East tensions

Vietnam's Civil Aviation Authority has issued a directive to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), Van Don Development and Investment Joint Stock Company, and Sunrise Airport to ensure safe aviation operations in the context of ongoing armed conflicts in the Middle East region. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the tensions in the Middle East show no signs of easing and have affected airline operations. In response, many carriers have adjusted their flight plans, including reducing frequencies, suspending some routes that are unprofitable, or canceling flights during off-peak hours. If airlines continue to cut or cancel further routes, demand for overnight aircraft parking positions at airports will rise. To proactively respond, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam asks the relevant units to direct airports to coordinate with airlines to develop passenger-assistance plans for those affected by schedule changes, cancellations, or route adjustments; and to ensure order, security, and safety in airport areas. These units should also proactively plan for ramp operations, coordinate and arrange overnight parking spots for aircraft arising from reductions or cancellations; and promptly report any difficulties or impediments in the process. According to the Authority's report, domestic airlines are adjusting flight plans to adapt to the new context while continuing to operate on core routes such as Hanoi–Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City to serve political and socio-economic objectives. Specifically, Vietnam Airlines has halted operations on several routes as of 1 April 2026, including Cat Bi–Buon Ma Thuot, Cat Bi–Cam Ranh, Cat Bi–Phu Quoc, Cat Bi–Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City–Van Don, Ho Chi Minh City–Rach Gia, and Ho Chi Minh City–Dien Bien. The airline expects to reduce about 700–1,700 flight pairs per month in Q2 2026, equivalent to 10–20% of total flights. VietJet also plans to cut around 18% of its total operated capacity in April 2026, with domestic down 22% and international down 11%. Some routes see significant frequency adjustments such as Hanoi–Cam Ranh, Hanoi–Buon Ma Thuot, Ho Chi Minh City–Cat Bi, Ho Chi Minh City–Tho Xuan, Da Nang–Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City–Bangkok. Sun PhuQuoc Airways maintains a fleet of about 60 flights per day. Bamboo Airways plans to reduce frequency to 15–17 flights per day from April 2026, focusing on core routes and routes to/from Quy Nhon. Vietravel Airlines continues operations with 2 aircraft, at a frequency of 12–14 flights per day in April 2026; expected to rise to 28–30 per day from late April with additional aircraft for peak holidays and the summer season. Pacific Airlines also plans to cut 8–30% of capacity in Q2 2026 depending on market developments. In the context of these changes in flight plans, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam calls on industry players to proactively implement appropriate measures to ensure safety and stability of aviation operations.