At the end of March 2026, a jet fuel supply shortage stemming from rising tensions in the Middle East grew severe, and Vietnam’s three major airlines announced large-scale flight reductions and suspensions one after another. Vietnam Airlines cut 15% of all flights, Vietjet Air reduced Southeast Asia routes by 8%, and Bamboo Airways fully suspended its Hanoi–Hong Kong flights—overlapping responses from each carrier. A recovery is expected around April 10–15, so Japanese travelers planning to visit Vietnam during this period must check in advance.
News overview—details of the three airlines’ cuts and the background
The direct trigger for this fuel crisis was the Middle East conflict that intensified after February 28, 2026, and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Deliveries stalled at the region’s fuel supply hubs, and airlines’ stockpiles are rapidly running dry.
| Airline | Scale of reductions | Main affected routes | Expected recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | 15% cut, 22 routes suspended | Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur flights, and others | April 15 |
| Vietjet Air | 8% cut on Southeast Asia routes | Ho Chi Minh City–Bangkok (12→9 flights/day), Singapore cut 20% | April 10 |
| Bamboo Airways | Hanoi–Hong Kong route (3 weekly flights) fully suspended | Hanoi–Hong Kong (until April 5) | Early April |
Vietnam Airlines is also suspending 7 domestic routes (flights from Hai Phong to Buon Ma Thuot, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, and Can Tho; and from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don, Rach Gia, and Dien Bien). Average delays by airport are reported at 2–4 hours at Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat) and 1–3 hours at Hanoi (Noi Bai).
Vietnamese readers’ reactions—voices from social media and local media
“My Ho Chi Minh City–Bangkok flight was suddenly canceled, and the only rebooking available was two days later. There was no explanation of compensation—it was awful.”
—A Facebook comment from a Tan Son Nhat Airport user (March 28)
“The fuel shortage isn’t just the airlines’ problem; it’s a failure of reserve management at the national level. The government should urgently arrange emergency imports.”
—A comment on the online section of Vietnamese news outlet Tuoi Tre
“With all the overseas business travel I do, this is a matter of life and death. My Bangkok connections are all thrown off. I just want mid-April to come.”
—An X (formerly Twitter) post from a Hanoi-based businessperson
“The cut on the Ho Chi Minh City–Singapore route wrecked my Singapore-via itinerary to Japan. I’m glad I left plenty of connection time.”
—A post on a travel forum
Impact and key points for Japanese tourists
Top priority: check the status of booked flights: If you’re due to enter or leave Vietnam via Southeast Asia around late March to April 10, check your booking status on the airline’s website right now. Automatic rebooking may have occurred, but it might not be on your preferred dates.
Domestic flights are relatively stable: The main Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi trunk route maintains normal operations. However, since some domestic flights, such as to Phu Quoc, are subject to suspension, plans for domestic travel also need to be reconfirmed.
Make use of compensation schemes: If your flight falls under EU or DOT regulations, you may be able to claim compensation worth 250–600 euros in some cases. First, contact the airline.
Consider alternative routes: If routes via Bangkok or Singapore are restricted, consider switching to routes via Kuala Lumpur or to direct flights (Japan–Ho Chi Minh City, Japan–Hanoi).
For details on Vietnam Airlines’ route changes, seeVietnam Airlines to suspend 7 routes from April 1as well.
