Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAV) has cautioned domestic airlines to prepare for possible flight reductions starting in April 2026, as jet fuel supplies tighten export restrictions linked to escalating Middle East tensions, according to Reuters citing official documents.
The country relies on imports for more than two-thirds of its jet fuel, with roughly 60% sourced from China and Thailand. Earlier this month, China instructed refiners to halt new export agreements before imposing a ban on refined fuel exports on March 11, while Thailand suspended exports of refined oil products, including jet fuel, from March 6, except to Myanmar and Laos.
In response, the CAAV has urged airlines to reassess operational plans—particularly domestic schedules—and asked airports to prepare additional parking space for aircraft. The regulator also noted a decline in fuel supplies from Singapore, adding to supply pressures.
Key importers, including Petrolimex and Skypec, have indicated they can only guarantee jet fuel availability through the first quarter of 2026. Skypec has recommended prioritising essential domestic routes if the situation persists.
Vietnam’s two refineries are unable to significantly boost jet fuel output, as they are already under pressure to increase production of other petroleum products, the CAAV said.
Authorities are now exploring alternative suppliers such as South Korea, Japan, Brunei and India, though securing additional supply may prove challenging under current market conditions.
Vietnam’s aviation sector remains highly active, with national carrier Vietnam Airlines and low-cost airline VietJet Air operating more than 400 flights daily on average. Their fleets comprise 93 and 103 aircraft respectively, according to ch-aviation data.