Surprise halt to Vietjet’s flight between Adelaide and Vietnam

Just days after the good news that China Southern would be resuming direct flights to Adelaide after they were suspended when the pandemic hit, a low cost carrier is halting SA flights.

Vietjet will cease Adelaide flights from October 26, less than 12 months after they commenced.

The move is being attributed to fleet management rather than demand and the airline hopes to eventually resume services.

A Vietjet statement says: “To reorganise and optimise its fleet’s operational effectiveness and efficiency, Vietjet has made the decision to temporarily suspend its Adelaide-Ho Chi Minh City route from 26th October 2024.

“Vietjet remains fully committed to delivering exceptional service to its Australian customers and is actively working on the best solution to resume the route at the earliest opportunity, ensuring a seamless and improved travel experience.”

The low cost carrier started Adelaide flights last November providing five return flights a week.

Officials at the time hailed the flights as a boost for both trade and tourism.

The announcement comes just days after China Southern announced it was resuming flights between Adelaide and Guangzhou three times a week from December 12 and Emirates recommences a daily service to Dubai from next month.

Both had been suspended when the pandemic hit.

An Adelaide Airport spokesman said Vietjet’s decision is due to capacity constraints and they believe the move is temporary.

“There is strong demand from South Australian passengers for Vietjet services and Adelaide Airport continues to work closely with Vietjet on the resumption of the service at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

Network Vision 2050. Picture: Supplied by Adelaide Airport

Adelaide Airport has ambitious plans under its Vision 2050 plan to offer 39 direct flights from Adelaide by 2050.

These hinge on factors ranging from two-way demand to airlines having the aircraft available for such routes.