Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – To meet the surge in travel demand during the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), Vietnam Airlines (VNA) plans to operate over 1,300 night flights, providing nearly 300,000 seats, from February 1st to March 3rd, 2026.
VNA's increase in night flights is being implemented against the backdrop of the overall optimization of Lunar New Year transportation plans within the Vietnamese aviation industry. Compared to the previous Lunar New Year season, the number of night flights in 2026 is expected to increase by 3%, accounting for approximately 16.6% of the airline's total flights during the Lunar New Year period.
Night flights will depart between 9 PM and 5 AM the following morning, primarily on the Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang route; the Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong, Vinh, and Tho Xuan routes; the Ho Chi Minh City to Hue and Cam Ranh routes (newly added during the Lunar New Year peak); and the Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot route (added during the Lunar New Year peak). Most of these routes will be operated using Airbus A321 and A320neo aircraft. The Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi route will increase the use of modern wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
During peak travel periods, each route will add an average of 1 to 2 round-trip flights per day compared to normal times, providing passengers with more travel options and alleviating operational pressure during daytime hours.
Previously, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam had requested relevant units to coordinate the implementation of nighttime flight operations at six airports, applicable from February 1 to March 1, 2026. This includes adjusting and extending the operating hours of Tho Xuan, Dong Hai, Chu Lai, Phu Cat, Plei Cu, and Tuy Hoa airports to enhance nighttime flight support capabilities and ensure safe and efficient flight operations during peak periods.
To meet the travel demand during the Lunar New Year of the Horse in 2026, Vietnam Airlines has already started selling tickets in advance. It is reported that from February 2 to March 3, 2026, Vietnam Airlines will offer more than 3.5 million seats on domestic and international routes, an increase of nearly 20% compared to the same period last year.
While selling tickets in advance, Vietnam Airlines continues to add capacity during the peak season, adding nearly 300 flights and 60,000 seats, primarily concentrated from February 9 to March 3, 2026 (the 22nd day of the 12th lunar month to the 15th day of the 1st lunar month). The increased flight frequency mainly operates from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Vinh City, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, Hue, Chu Lai, Buon Ma Thuot, Plai Cu, Tuy Hoa, Quy Nhon, and Phu Quoc.
In addition, Vietnam Airlines has launched four new routes departing from Hai Phong, including Hai Phong-Nha Trang, Can Tho, Buon Ma Thuot, and Phu Quoc routes, to meet diverse travel needs and alleviate operational pressure on main routes during the Lunar New Year period.
Vietnam Airlines Group advises passengers to plan their trips in advance and purchase tickets as early as possible, and reminds them to purchase tickets only through the airline's official website, mobile application, official ticket offices, or authorized agents to avoid risks such as counterfeit tickets and price gouging during the Lunar New Year peak season. (End)
