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Airlines cut fares as bookings sink
International and domestic airlines operating in Viet Nam are offering discounts on their flights as the global recession and swine flu pandemic continue to keep bookings low.
Viet Nam Airlines, the national carrier, will offer its largest-ever discount of 60-70 per cent on all domestic and international flights from October 1-January 31.
"The promotion programme will not only lure more passengers but also shore up tourism during difficult economic times," said Nguyen Thi Minh Yen, director of the carrier’s southern office.
AirAsia, Jetstar Pacific and Indochina Airlines are also offering cheap tickets on domestic flights, with prices ranging between VND200,000 (US$11.25) and VND600,000 ($33.7).
Several international airlines are also offering special promotional prices.
All Nippon Airways is discounting fares by 40 per cent. A return ticket on its Ha Noi-Japan route via Hong Kong costs just $500. Korean Air is offering a discount of 20 – 25 per cent on flights from Ha Noi to Europe and US, and 16 per cent on flights to Korea.
As of October 25, Emirates Airlines will also offer a discount of 30 – 40 per cent on flight from Ha Noi to Dubai, with two-way fares of around $1,200.
Most airlines are bracing for a sharp fall in bookings from October to April, which is traditionally a non-peak travelling season.
VNS
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