Passengers queue at Nội Bài International Airport in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

HCM CITY — Trains and flights to tourist hotspots around the country are almost fully booked for the upcoming long holiday weekend.

Most flights from Hà Nội to Côn Đảo and Phú Quốc, two popular island destinations, are sold out. 

Flights from Hà Nội and HCM City to places like Quy Nhơn, Đà Nẵng, Nha Trang, Côn Đảo, Đà Lạt are still not back to pre-pandemic frequency and airfares have doubled.

On Vietnam Airlines flights from Hà Nội to Phú Quốc on April 29, the lowest economy-class ticket costs more than VNĐ4.1 million (US$178.54) one way while business-class ticket costs nearly VNĐ7 million ($304.83).

The carrier last month announced an increase of 2,300 flights with 450,000 seats during the holidays, mostly on domestic routes. 

Bookings on most flights from HCM City and Hà Nội to tourist destinations have reached 80-90 per cent.

Bamboo Airways flights from Hà Nội to Côn Đảo on April 30 and May 1 were fully booked two weeks ago.

On April 29 there were only a few business-class seats available at VNĐ7.6 million. All flights from Côn Đảo to Hà Nội on May 3 are fully booked.

A Bamboo Airways spokesperson said air travel demand has surged with the pandemic being controlled, and the number of domestic passengers during the holidays could exceed the 2019 figure.

Đinh Việt Thắng, director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, said the number of passengers is expected to be 25-30 per cent higher during the upcoming holidays compared to normal days. 

Train tickets

According to the Vietnam Railways Corporation, train tickets from Hà Nội to Hải Phòng, Đồng Hới and Vinh, and from HCM City to Phan Thiết and Nha Trang on April 30 are almost sold out. 

It plans to increase the number of trains from Hà Nội to Lào Cai, Hải Phòng, Thanh Hóa, Vinh, Đồng Hới, Huế, and Đà Nẵng by up to 30 to meet the holiday demand. 

The National Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labour Day (May 1) fall on a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and so the next two days are public holidays to compensate.

Transport disruptions are expected due to the surge in the number of travellers. 

The most significant is likely to occur on highways linking major urban centres.

Many businesses, along with non-essential government offices, will remain closed during the holidays.

Việt Nam has lifted almost all travel restrictions and opened up to international tourism on March 15 after a two-year interruption due to the outbreak. — VNS