Vietnam Airlines Corporation suspends the Hai Phong – Can Tho route due to high fuel prices; continued operation would not cover costs.

On March 27, information from the Can Tho City Department of Construction stated that Vietnam Airlines Corporation has sent an official dispatch to the City People’s Committee regarding the Hai Phong – Can Tho flight route.

According to Vietnam Airlines Corporation, since early March, the tense developments in the military situation in the Middle East have led to a sharp increase in fuel prices.

The average price of aviation fuel (Jet A-1) in March 2026 was nearly USD 180 per barrel, at times rising to USD 231 per barrel, impacting the Corporation’s operating costs. Consequently, the Hai Phong – Can Tho route would not be able to cover its operating expenses.

Furthermore, Vietnam’s aviation fuel supply depends mainly on imports (accounting for 70-80%). This supply source is declining significantly, so the Corporation faces the risk of an aviation fuel shortage to ensure flight operations in the coming period.

The Corporation has determined the priority goal of maintaining national aviation connection routes to ensure the country’s trade, tourism, and diplomatic activities, as well as maintaining key domestic routes to serve domestic travel.

Therefore, the Corporation plans to temporarily suspend operations on the Hai Phong – Can Tho route from April 1.

Vietnam Airlines Corporation will continue to monitor the market situation, fuel prices and supply, while balancing operational efficiency to restore the Hai Phong – Can Tho route as soon as necessary conditions are met.

According to the Can Tho City Department of Construction, while Vietnam Airlines Corporation suspends the Hai Phong – Can Tho route, Vietjet still operates this route.

Due to the high price and difficulty in purchasing Jet A1 aviation fuel, with supply only sufficient for operations until mid-April 2026, Vietnamese airlines will suspend operations and reduce the frequency of many routes from April 1, 2026.

Hai Phong

Hai Phong is a major port city in northern Vietnam, often called the “Port City” or “City of Red Flamboyant Flowers.” It was officially established as a commercial port by the French colonial administration in the late 19th century, playing a crucial strategic role during the Vietnam War. Today, it is a key economic and industrial hub, known for its rich maritime history and landmarks like the Du Hang Pagoda and Cat Ba Island.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a major city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, historically known as a vital economic and transportation hub due to its strategic location along the Can Tho River. Its modern development is closely tied to the delta’s agricultural trade, and it is most famous today for its iconic floating markets, such as Cai Rang, which have operated for over a century.

Vietnam Airlines Corporation

Vietnam Airlines Corporation is the national flag carrier of Vietnam, founded in 1956 as the Vietnam Civil Aviation Department. It was officially established as a state-owned airline in 1989 and has since grown into a major regional carrier, symbolizing the country’s connectivity and economic development.

Can Tho City Department of Construction

The Can Tho City Department of Construction is a local government agency responsible for urban planning, construction management, and infrastructure development within Can Tho City, Vietnam. It operates under the municipal government, playing a key role in implementing the city’s master plans and regulating construction projects to support the growth of this major Mekong Delta economic hub.

City People’s Committee

The City People’s Committee is the local administrative government of a major city in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City. It serves as the executive arm of the local People’s Council, implementing state laws and managing the city’s socio-economic activities. This structure, rooted in the socialist governance model, was established following the reunification of Vietnam in 1976.

Middle East

The Middle East is a transcontinental region centered on Western Asia and parts of North Africa, historically known as the “Cradle of Civilization” for the emergence of ancient cultures like Mesopotamia and Egypt. It has been a central crossroads for trade, religion, and empires for millennia, giving rise to major world faiths and witnessing the rise and fall of numerous powers. In the modern era, its vast oil reserves and complex geopolitical dynamics have made it a region of critical global importance.

Vietjet

“Vietjet” is not a cultural site or historical place, but a private low-cost airline in Vietnam. It was founded in 2007 and began commercial operations in 2011, playing a significant role in making air travel more accessible within the country and across Asia. The airline is known for its vibrant branding and has become a modern symbol of Vietnam’s rapidly growing aviation and tourism sectors.

Vietnamese airlines

“Vietnamese airlines” refers collectively to the aviation industry of Vietnam, which is primarily led by the national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines. Founded in 1956 as the Vietnam Civil Aviation Department, it was re-established as Vietnam Airlines in 1993 and has since grown into a major regional airline, symbolizing the country’s economic development and connectivity. Other significant carriers like Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways have also emerged, reflecting the rapid expansion and modernization of Vietnam’s air travel sector.