The move aims to ensure safe, continuous, and efficient air transport operations while maintaining stability in domestic airfares.

Under the directive, the CAAV will lead coordination efforts with Vietnamese airlines, the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), airport operators, aviation fuel suppliers, and other relevant stakeholders to assess fuel supply capacity in both the short and medium term.

Based on these assessments, authorities are tasked with developing contingency plans for scenarios in which Jet A1 fuel prices continue to rise or supply shortages and disruptions occur. These plans will guide adjustments to flight operations, including frequency and route networks, to ensure continuity of air transport services, and to promote fuel efficiency and operational safety.

The CAAV has also been instructed to closely monitor fluctuations in Jet A1 fuel prices and evaluate their impact on airline operating costs as well as domestic and international airfares. The agency will propose appropriate measures to stabilise the aviation market in line with evolving conditions.

In cases where airlines propose adjustments to regulated fare caps, the authority will review and assess current pricing frameworks and recommend revisions to mechanisms governing domestic air transport pricing.

Authorities are also considering a more flexible pricing framework for economy-class domestic airfares, linked to Jet A1 fuel price movements. The proposed mechanism would allow adjustments in fare caps based on fuel price indices, ensuring compliance with pricing regulations while balancing the interests of the state, businesses, and consumers.

In addition, regulators will strengthen oversight of airlines’ fare declarations, listings, and ticket sales practices to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Regarding proposals to reduce aviation service fees, such as aircraft landing and takeoff charges and air navigation service fees, the Ministry has requested the CAAV to coordinate with VATM and airport operators to assess the potential impact of such measures. Authorities will evaluate implications for affected entities and propose specific reductions and implementation timelines.

Earlier, the CAAV warned that constrained Jet A1 fuel supply, partly due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, has raised the risk of shortages for domestic airlines.

In response, Vietnam Airlines said it would prioritize maintaining key air routes that support national connectivity, trade, tourism, and international engagement, as well as essential domestic routes.

The carrier plans to temporarily suspend several routes starting April 1, 2026, including services connecting Hai Phong with Buon Ma Thuot, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, and Can Tho, as well as routes linking Ho Chi Minh City with Van Don, Rach Gia, and Dien Bien. A total of 23 weekly flights on these routes are expected to be canceled.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese airlines are also preparing plans to introduce fuel surcharges on international routes, which could take effect from early April 2026.

MoF proposes halving environmental tax on fuel to ease price pressures

VOV.VN - The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has proposed cutting the environmental protection tax on petrol and oil products by up to 50% in an effort to reduce domestic retail fuel prices and ease cost pressures on businesses and consumers.