Vietnam Airlines struggles to get flight slots in foreign airports
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Vietnam Airlines is unable to get the number flight slots it needs at airports in the U.K., India and China.
After a period of absence due to Covid-19, the carrier has lost many flight slots in London, chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa said at a meeting with the Ministry of Transport officials Monday.
India only provides 28 slots at its four big airports for international airlines since it seeks to protect domestic carriers, he said.
Requests for more slots in Chinese airports too have been rejected, he said.
The number of foreign passengers flying on Vietnamese carriers is only 60% of pre-pandemic levels, he said.
Other challenges, such as fuel prices doubling at certain times from 2019 levels, have been slowing down Vietnam Airlines’ recovery efforts, he said.
He sought the ministry’s assistance to get more slots in foreign airports.
Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang at the meeting ordered aviation authorities to support the carrier.
If required, the ministry would dispatch officials to other countries to negotiate slots, he added.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific countries are denying Vietnam Airlines the flight slots it needs?
Which specific countries are denying Vietnam Airlines the flight slots it needs?
Vietnam Airlines is facing difficulties securing sufficient flight slots in the United Kingdom, India, and China. This has been a significant challenge for the carrier as it attempts to restore its international service after the pandemic.
Q.What is the reason given for India limiting flight slots for international airlines?
What is the reason given for India limiting flight slots for international airlines?
India is reportedly only providing 28 slots across its four major airports for international airlines because it aims to protect its own domestic carriers. This policy restricts the capacity for foreign airlines like Vietnam Airlines.
Q.What is the current level of foreign passenger numbers compared to pre-pandemic figures for Vietnamese carriers?
What is the current level of foreign passenger numbers compared to pre-pandemic figures for Vietnamese carriers?
The number of foreign passengers travelling on Vietnamese carriers is currently only 60% of the levels seen before the pandemic. This indicates a significant shortfall in international travel demand compared to 2019.
Q.How is the Ministry of Transport planning to assist Vietnam Airlines with its slot issues?
How is the Ministry of Transport planning to assist Vietnam Airlines with its slot issues?
The Ministry of Transport has ordered aviation authorities to support Vietnam Airlines. If necessary, the ministry plans to dispatch officials to other countries to negotiate directly for more flight slots.
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