Vietnam’s aviation sector is under pressure from two simultaneous crises, as a looming jet fuel shortage from April compounds an ongoing engine recall, pushing domestic airfares to record highs and forcing airlines to cut routes.
Fuel supply collapses from March
The war in Iran has severed two of Vietnam’s main Jet A1 supply sources. Thailand halted fuel exports on March 6, followed by China on March 11. Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed a supply shortage risk from early April, after major suppliers Skypec and Petrolimex said they could only guarantee deliveries through March, warning that April contracts may not be fulfilled. Airlines have been ordered to review flight schedules and prioritise key routes, while airports have been told to prepare additional parking bays for grounded aircraft.
Engine recall grounds 12 Vietnam Airlines jets
Vietnam Airlines has taken 12 aircraft out of service for engine inspections and repairs under a Pratt & Whitney recall order, with repair times potentially stretching to 18 months. The combination of a shrinking fleet and unstable fuel supply has pushed round-trip fares on the Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi route to 6 million dong (around $240).
Route network disruptions
Lien Khuong Airport in Lam Dong province closed entirely on March 4 and will remain shut until August 25, 2026, for runway repairs, cancelling all flights to Da Lat during that period. Vietjet Air has announced it will suspend all flights to Dien Bien from June 1, while Bamboo Airways is scaling back its network as it undergoes restructuring following its return to FLC ownership.
With fares rising and flights being cut, passengers are increasingly switching to trains and shared vehicles. Airlines are advising travellers to book early and monitor schedules closely, as last-minute cancellations remain a real risk while the fuel situation remains unresolved.
