The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) has warned domestic airlines to prepare for potential flight reductions from April 2026 and succeeding months, after China and Thailand halted jet fuel exports amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, Reuters reported citing official documents.

Viet Nam imports more than two-thirds of its jet fuel requirements, with about 60% sourced from the two Asian peers. Beijing urged refiners early in March 2026 not to agree to new exports before imposing a ban on refined fuel exports on March 11, while Thailand halted exports of refined oil products, including jet fuel, on March 6 to all countries except Myanmar and Laos.

The CAAV instructed airlines to review operational plans, particularly domestic schedules, and asked airport operators to prepare additional parking capacity for Vietnamese carriers. The regulator also warned that Viet Nam had seen reduced supplies from Singapore.

Major importers Petrolimex and Skypec reportedly told the regulator they could only guarantee jet fuel supplies during the first quarter of 2026. Skypec urged authorities to restrict air transport to essential domestic routes if the conflict persists.

Viet Nam's two refineries cannot significantly increase jet fuel output because they are pressured to expand production of other petroleum products, according to the CAAV.

The regulator recommended seeking alternative suppliers, including South Korea, Japan, Brunei, and India, but warned it may be difficult to secure new sources in the current market environment.

Viet Nam's two largest airlines, flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and low-cost airline VietJetAir, operate more than 400 daily flights on average, based on ch-aviation data. The former has 93 aircraft in its fleet, while the latter has 103.