Vietnam Threatens Flight Cuts from April Due to Jet Fuel Crisis

Hanoi — Vietnam’s aviation authorities have warned the national aviation industry to prepare for potential flight schedule reductions from April 2026. This warning follows China and Thailand’s halt of jet fuel exports, which has increased the risk of fuel supply shortages for airlines in the country.

Vietnam is heavily dependent on importing jet fuel to meet the operational needs of its aviation sector. “There is a risk of jet fuel shortages for Vietnamese airlines from early April and subsequent months,” stated the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam in a document dated 9 March 2026.

The statement was made to the ministry overseeing the transport sector as an early warning of potential disruptions to aviation operations. In response, regulators have asked airlines to review their operational plans, particularly for domestic routes.

Beyond the export halt from two major suppliers, Vietnam has also experienced reduced jet fuel supplies from Singapore. This situation is narrowing the government’s and industry stakeholders’ room to manoeuvre in maintaining continuity of aviation services.

In a separate document, two major jet fuel importers in Vietnam, Petrolimex and Skypec, stated they can only guarantee supply until March 2026. Skypec has even urged the regulator to consider restricting air transport to only essential domestic routes if the conflict that has triggered the supply disruption continues.

Thailand banned the export of refined oil products, including jet fuel, from 6 March 2026, with exceptions only for Myanmar and Laos.

Neither the aviation regulator, relevant ministry, nor the importer companies provided responses to requests for comment from Reuters.