Vietnam's national flag carrier schedules over 1,300 night flights for Tet
Airports in Vietnam usually witness increased travel demand during the busiest days of Tet holiday as travelers head home to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier, will operate over 1,300 night flights from February 1 to March 3, offering nearly 300,000 seats to meet a surge in passengers during the busiest days of Tet (the Lunar New Year) holiday and the 2026 spring festival season.
Nguyen Quang Trung, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, said the move reflects the national flag carrier’s efforts to optimize operations during the peak Tet period. Compared with the previous holiday season, night flights scheduled for Tet 2026 have increased by 3%, accounting for about 17% of the airline’s total flights.
A large number of travelers head back to their homes to celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year. Photo: Hong Quy/The Hanoi Times
The night flights, departing after 9 PM and before 5 AM, will focus on key domestic routes from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to the central city of Danang; from Ho Chi Minh City to the northern city of Haiphong or the central ward of Vinh; from Ho Chi Minh City to the central city of Hue or Nha Trang in the central region. Most of these routes will be served by Airbus A321 and A320neo aircraft.
"Flight frequencies on each route are expected to rise by an average of one to two additional daily return services during the peak period, offering passengers more travel options and easing pressure during daytime slots," Trung added.
He noted that increasing night-time capacity is one of the key measures to meet peak-season demand while supporting the relief of pressure on the aviation system, ensuring safe and convenient travel for sharply rising passengers.
At the same time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has decided to extend night flight operations at six domestic airports from February 1 to March 1, including Tho Xuan, Dong Hoi, Chu Lai, Phu Cat, Pleiku and Tuy Hoa airports.
Vietnam Airlines has also kicked off early ticket sales, offering over 3.5 million seats across its domestic and international routes between February 2 and March 3, nearly 20% increase year-on-year.
Furthermore, the national flag carrier is offering four additional routes departing from Haiphong to Nha Trang, Cantho, Buon Ma Thuot and Phu Quoc to meet surging travel needs and ease pressure on major routes during the peak period.
