With fuel costs surging on the back of rising tensions in the Middle East, airlines in and outside Vietnam are announcing fare hikes and fuel surcharges one after another. Vietnam Airlines has announced it will temporarily suspend seven domestic routes from April 1, 2026, so anyone planning travel from Japan to Vietnam needs to check their itinerary right away. This article organizes the latest suspension and price-hike information and sums up the steps Japanese travelers should take now.
News overview: an upheaval in the aviation industry triggered by surging fuel costs
On March 20, 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) conducted an emergency survey of about 40 airlines from home and abroad. As a result, it came to light that more than 60% of those surveyed have already introduced or are considering fuel surcharges or fare hikes from mid-March 2026.
Behind it is a surge in crude oil prices. As of March 20 to 22, 2026, Brent crude spiked to 110 to 120 dollars a barrel. Jet fuel in the Asian region reached a record level of 220 to 230 dollars a barrel, with geopolitical risk in the Middle East as the direct trigger.
Vietnam Airlines suspends seven domestic routes, 23 weekly flights, from April 1
In response to this fuel cost surge, Vietnam Airlines announced it will temporarily suspend the following seven routes from April 1, 2026.
- Hai Phong (HPH) - Buon Ma Thuot (BMV)
- Hai Phong (HPH) - Cam Ranh/Nha Trang (CXR)
- Hai Phong (HPH) - Phu Quoc (PQC)
- Hai Phong (HPH) - Can Tho (VCA)
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) - Lien Khuong (DLI) *near Da Lat
- ホーチミン（SGN）〜 ラッジャー（VKG）※アンザン省（旧キエンジャン省エリア）
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) - Dien Bien (DIN)
A combined 23 weekly flights on these routes are affected. Routes to and from Hai Phong are often used for access to Phu Quoc Island and the resort of Nha Trang, so this is a blow especially for travelers moving to south-central Vietnam via Hai Phong.
Fuel surcharges pile up on international routes too
On international routes, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), China Southern Airlines, and others have already introduced fuel surcharges of 5 to 380 dollars per ticket. Vietnamese carriers (Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, and others) are reportedly also considering surcharges on international routes from early April 2026. Flights between Japan and Vietnam are no exception, and fares could rise further over the coming weeks.
If you're considering a package tour timed to the International Travel Mart (VITM 2026) held in Hanoi, please also checkthe latest on the Hanoi International Tourism Mart 2026.along with this.
Reactions from Vietnamese readers: from local social media and press
This news was widely reported by major Vietnamese media, including VnExpress, and drew many reactions on social media. Below we translate and quote representative comments.
"I'd planned a trip from Hai Phong to Phu Quoc in April, and then a sudden suspension notice. When I looked for an alternative flight, Vietjet was the only option, and the price had doubled. Please do something." (A Facebook user based in Hai Phong)
"I understand the surge in fuel prices, but less than two weeks from notice to suspension is far too short. What are people who've already booked hotels supposed to do?" (VnExpress comments section)
"A 380-dollar surcharge on an international route can be higher than the ticket itself, can't it? I can't fly anymore." (A Twitter user based in Ho Chi Minh City)
"The government should support LCCs (low-cost carriers) in expanding their routes. Citizens can no longer even casually take domestic trips." (Comments section of a local news portal)
"If the Middle East situation calms down, things should improve. But this timing at the peak of travel season (April to May) is the worst. I hope Vietnam Airlines considers some kind of compensation." (A Zalo group, a travel enthusiast community)
Within Vietnam, many see it as "a blow to the entire travel industry," and calls for the government and CAAV to take countermeasures are rising.
Impact on and key points for Japanese tourists: steps to take now
If you're planning a trip from Japan to Vietnam, or have already booked, check the following points urgently.
1. Recheck existing bookings (especially if you use connecting flights)
The seven routes being suspended are regional lines to and from Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City. The Japan-Hanoi (HAN) and Japan-Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) direct flights themselves are not subject to suspension at this point, but travelers planning connections within Vietnam (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc) may see their itineraries fall apart. Check the latest operating status on the airline's official website or by email.
2. Consider alternatives
- Switch to another airline: VietJet Air or Bamboo Airways may operate alternative flights on the same segment. However, with demand concentrated and fares rising, early rebooking is essential.
- Make use of buses and trains: Long-distance buses (such as sleeper buses) and trains (SE trains) within Vietnam are less affected by fuel prices, and are strong alternatives especially on north-south routes.
- Change your dates: If you can complete your itinerary before fuel surcharges take full effect from April 1 (by the end of March), an earlier departure is also worth considering.
3. Watch out for fuel surcharges on international routes
When buying a ticket from Japan to Vietnam, be sure to check whether the displayed fare includes a fuel surcharge. ANA, JAL, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, and others have implemented or are considering surcharges. Rather than just checking the lowest price on a comparison site, we recommend comparing on the "final total amount."
4. Check your travel insurance
Suspensions and fare changes like this may be covered by your travel insurance's "trip cancellation coverage" or "trip change coverage." Check the terms of your policy and understand the scope of coverage.
5. For those heading to Phu Quoc or Nha Trang
For Phu Quoc Island and Nha Trang (Cam Ranh), using a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi rather than going via Hai Phong is the practical choice. Phu Quoc Island in particular is served by direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City on multiple carriers and remains accessible.
Also, when traveling in Vietnam, checking the latest information on tourist spots is reassuring. For example, see our article on the globally notedworld's 51 beautiful destinations that chose Hoi An.
The fuel cost surge is expected to continue for the time being, so it's important to review your travel plans flexibly, always based on the latest information. In particular, those planning a Vietnam trip during the April-to-May Golden Week period should aim to act early.
