By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Vietnam Airlines is suspending 23 domestic flights weekly starting April 1 due to a severe global jet fuel shortage. 

This decision, announced by the civil aviation authority, highlights the growing pressure on the nation’s transport infrastructure.

The shortage is driven by the Middle East conflict, which has caused Jet A-1 fuel prices to skyrocket over the past three weeks. These volatile market conditions have made it increasingly difficult for domestic carriers to secure reliable energy supplies.

To manage limited inventories, specific weekly domestic flights will be cut to prioritize the most essential routes. Authorities view this reduction as a vital preventive measure to avoid a complete exhaustion of fuel reserves and a total travel shutdown.

While some internal routes face cuts, major domestic corridors and all international flights currently remain operational. The focus is on maintaining global connectivity, though stability depends entirely on the unpredictable and fluctuating global energy market.

To offset surging operational costs, Vietnamese airlines plan to introduce fuel surcharges on international tickets beginning in April. This financial adjustment is necessary for carriers to absorb the massive price hikes triggered by ongoing international instability.

Vietnam is actively seeking energy support from nations like Qatar, Kuwait, Algeria, and Japan to bolster its reserves.

Additionally, a recent agreement with Russia regarding oil and gas production underscores the government’s urgency in securing a steady supply.

This crisis mirrors a broader trend, as airlines in Myanmar and the United States are also scaling back capacity due to rising costs. As the Middle East conflict persists, the global aviation industry remains on high alert for further disruptions.