In late April, Hoai Thuong from Ha Noi planned to buy airline tickets for a trip to Phu Yen (now Dak Lak) in May but hesitated due to high prices. A three-person family, comprising two adults and one child, faced about 10 million VND for round-trip tickets from Ha Noi to Tuy Hoa. However, on 22/6, when she checked again, the price for a similar journey was just over 8,7 million VND, prompting her to book immediately.

"Every year, airfares usually increase during the summer peak. I did not expect to get such a good price at this time", Hoai Thuong said.

On 10/6, Van Hung from Ha Noi bought a round-trip ticket to Da Nang for the end of the month at 4 million VND. By 22/6, the price for an equivalent flight had dropped to about 3,6 million VND.

A survey on the morning of 22/6 showed that the cheapest round-trip tickets for the Ha Noi - Da Nang route in early July were about 2,7 million VND; convenient flight times hovered around 3,5 million VND. In early April, when prices peaked, convenient flight times for this route cost 4 million VND or more. For the Ha Noi - Nha Trang route in early July, the cheapest round-trip ticket was about 3,8 million VND, with prime times around 5,2 million VND, a notable decrease from 5,8 million VND during the peak holiday period.

Information from airlines indicates that Jet A1 aviation fuel prices have decreased significantly compared to the most intense period of the Middle East conflict. While prices previously exceeded 240 USD per barrel, they currently fluctuate around 140 USD. However, this level remains significantly higher than the same period last year, when prices were about 80 USD per barrel. The cooling fuel costs allowed airlines to offer more low-fare options and implement additional stimulus programs for the summer.

From the perspective of a travel agency, Pham Anh Vu, deputy general director of Du Lich Viet Media Company, stated that the company's business data shows domestic airfares in early June decreased by 10-20% compared to a month prior. Some routes were up to 700,000 VND cheaper per segment than the same period last year, particularly for early morning or late-night flights.

Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, director of Vietravel's Marketing Board, shared a similar view, assessing the appearance of many good prices at the start of summer as a positive development for consumers. Airlines are flexibly adjusting ticket prices on weekdays to optimize seat occupancy rates.

Tourists paddleboarding at Man Thai beach, Da Nang, 4/2026. Photo: Giang Huy

Previously, domestic airfares maintaining ceiling levels for an extended period directly impacted traveler behavior. Bui Thanh Tu, marketing director of Best Price, noted that since the beginning of the year, family and group travelers have considered their options more carefully.

This segment of travelers tends to shift to destinations accessible by road, such as Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Sa Pa in the north, or Vung Tau, Phan Thiet in the south. A significant number also redirected to short-term outbound tours in Southeast Asia and China.

However, experts caution that the current price reduction is primarily in comparison to the "peak" prices a few months ago. Overall, average summer 2026 airfares remain about 10% higher than the same period last year.

In the short term, lower prices benefit individual travelers booking services directly but have little impact on the cost of all-inclusive domestic tours, as travel companies finalized services and booked blocks of tickets three to six months in advance.

According to Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, while not significantly affecting domestic tour prices, the positive trend in airfare allows businesses more room to implement stimulus programs, such as increasing early booking incentives, upgrading tour services, or offering additional experiences and gifts to customers.

A representative from Du Lich Viet also advised summer travelers to book tours or flights early if they find suitable prices, rather than waiting for further reductions.

"This is a good opportunity to book summer travel, but no one knows how long this pricing policy will last", Pham Anh Vu said.

Hoai Anh