Under pressure from higher fuel costs, Vietnamese airlines are adjusting flight plans while working on surcharge options for international services.

According to an assessment of the impact of the Middle East conflict on Vietnam’s aviation sector, Do Hong Cam, Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CASV), said disruptions to Jet A-1 supply have put local airlines at risk of shortages.

In response, Vietnam Airlines has prioritised maintaining routes that support national connectivity, trade, tourism and external relations, while continuing to operate key domestic services to meet travel demand.

To balance operations, the national carrier is expected to suspend several routes from April 1, 2026, including Hai Phong-Buon Ma Thuot, Hai Phong-Cam Ranh, Hai Phong-Phu Quoc, Hai Phong-Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City-Van Don, Ho Chi Minh City-Rach Gia and Ho Chi Minh City-Dien Bien, with around 23 flights per week cancelled.

On energy markets, global oil prices rose further between March 20 and 22, 2026, as supply disruptions in the Middle East intensified. Brent crude traded at around US$110–120 per barrel, while WTI stood at roughly US$110-114 per barrel.

In Asia, Jet A-1 prices stood at high levels, commonly ranging from US$220 to US$230 per barrel. The spread between jet fuel and crude oil widened further, with the peak gap reaching US$39.6 per barrel.

A rapid survey by the CAAV on March 20, 2026, covering nearly 40 international and regional airlines, showed that more than 60% have adjusted, are adjusting or plan to raise fuel surcharges or ticket prices from mid-March.

Two main forms are being applied. First, some airlines do not separate fuel surcharges but adjust them directly in base fares, with increases typically ranging from 5-20% depending on route and service class, as seen with Air France, Thai Airways and United Airlines.

Others apply fuel surcharges separately, adjusting them in line with changes in fuel prices. Carriers such as Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, All Nippon Airways and China Southern Airlines have introduced or increased surcharges ranging from about VND130,000 to over VND10 million per ticket, depending on distance and class.

In air cargo, airlines including Lufthansa and Korean Air apply fuel surcharges of around VND17,000-40,000 per kilogram.

“Vietnamese airlines are also working on plans to apply fuel surcharges on international routes, which may take effect from early April 2026,” Do Hong Cam said.

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