Vietnam's national air carrier, Vietnam Airlines, is set to suspend nearly two dozen domestic flights per week starting April 1 due to limited fuel supplies caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The price of jet fuel has skyrocketed since the start of the war, prompting concerns of fuel shortages. The country's civil aviation authority has attributed the decision to the limited supply of aviation fuel, known as Jet A-1, which has put domestic airlines at risk.
The flight cuts will affect 23 domestic flights per week, but major domestic routes and international flights will remain operational. In an effort to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs, airlines in Vietnam are exploring the possibility of adding fuel surcharges to international routes. This move is expected to take effect in April. Vietnam has sought fuel support from several countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Algeria, and Japan, and has recently signed a deal with Russia on oil and gas production.
The decision to suspend domestic flights is not unique to Vietnam, as Myanmar's national carrier has also announced plans to cancel some domestic flights due to unforeseen circumstances. United Airlines in the US has also scaled back its flight capacities in response to the increasing cost of jet fuel.
The fuel crisis sparked by the Middle East war has far-reaching implications for Vietnam's aviation industry. The suspension of domestic flights will undoubtedly cause inconvenience for passengers, but it is a necessary measure to prevent fuel shortages. The country's decision to seek fuel support from other nations is a wise move, given the uncertainty surrounding the conflict. However, the long-term economic impact of the fuel crisis on Vietnam's aviation industry remains to be seen. As fuel prices continue to soar, it is likely that airlines will be forced to pass on the costs to consumers, making air travel even more expensive for Nigerians.
