Vietnam raises air fares

Vietnam raises air fares

HANOI (AFP): Vietnam Airlines has raised its prices on domestic flights for Vietnamese, narrowing the gap in prices for tickets paid by foreigners, a company official said yesterday.

Prices for Vietnamese were raised 30 percent on July 10 on the main domestic route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to 900,000 dong (US$82) one way and 1.6 million dong ($145) for a round trip.

Foreigners flying the two-hour route pay $170 one way and $340 return under a pricing policy that has become an increasing irritant to tourists and overseas residents.

In an interview with the Saigon Giai Phong newspaper, airline official Pham Vu Nien said the price rises were necessary to pay for more modern aircraft, better service and higher fuel prices.