Aviation firms open purchases for 6 million tickets, fares remain high

THE HANOI TIMES — Airlines in Vietnam have offered more than six million tickets for sale to meet rising travel demand for the Lunar New Year 2026 (or Vietnamese Tet) holiday.

The sale program applies to all domestic and international routes on expectations that air traffic will peak from February 3 to March 2, 2026.

Last week, Vietjet, a prominent low-cost airline offering affordable flights, offered some 2.5 million tickets for sale.

On September 3, Vietnam Airlines Group (including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and Vasco) began selling more than 3.5 million tickets.

This is the firm's first batch of tickets offered on the market which increased by 20% compared to Tet 2025.

Vietnam Airlines expects seat occupancy on major domestic routes to increase by 9%-18% on-year for the upcoming Tet holiday, including the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City route and the Ho Chi Minh City – Danang.

The national flag carrier will also boost international flights connecting Vietnam with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and other destinations to meet rising outbound travel demand during the festive season.

Despite early ticket sales, fares on high-demand routes remain elevated.

Vietnam Airlines’ one-way tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi during February 2-16, 2026 starts at VND6.3 million (US$239), taxes and fees included.

On the same route, Vietjet fares increase from February 10, 2026 with the lowest class starting at nearly VND3 million ($114) excluding checked baggage, refunds and changes of date.

For peak-season flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa and Vinh, Vietnam Airlines’ lowest fares begin at VND5.4 million ($205), while Vietjet offers tickets ranging from VND3.5 million ($133).

Vietnam's Tet will begin on February 17, 2026.