Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 12:02 GMT+7

Vietnam Airlines to suspend Hai Phong-Cam Ranh route next month

Vietnam Airlines on Tuesday announced it will temporarily suspend flights between Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam and Cam Ranh in Khanh Hoa Province, located in the south-central region, starting April 1, citing soaring fuel costs and supply challenges caused by Middle East tensions.

The national flag carrier said that the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran in the Middle East since February 28 has disrupted global energy markets.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply is shipped, has severely restricted transport, driving prices sharply higher.

Jet A-1 fuel averaged nearly US$180 per barrel in March, with peaks reaching $231.

Vietnam Airlines said maintaining the Hai Phong-Cam Ranh route under these conditions is no longer financially viable.

Beyond rising costs, the airline faces supply shortages, as 70-80 percent of aviation fuel in Vietnam depends on imports.

The company warned of potential fuel scarcity affecting its broader network.

In response, Vietnam Airlines said it will prioritize maintaining national routes and essential domestic connections to safeguard trade, diplomacy, and travel needs.

The suspension of the Hai Phong-Cam Ranh service is part of this strategy.

The administration of Khanh Hoa, home to the beach destination of Nha Trang, said it is working with airlines to adjust other routes to ensure travel demand and economic activity remain uninterrupted.