Number of delayed, cancelled flights decline hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The number of delayed and cancelled flights decreased in the first quarter of 2017, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

Statistics revealed by the CAAV showed that low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific had the highest rates of both delayed and cancelled flights. It delayed 2,379 out of 8,542 flights, or 27.9 percent of the total, and cancelled 174 flights.

It was followed by the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines with 2,187 out of 25,494 flights, or 8.6 percent of the total, and budget carrier VietJetAir with 2,337 out of 19,015 flights, or 12.3 percent of the total.

The CAAV attributed the delay and cancellation of flights to the lateness of these flights, equipment and services at airports, flight operation and weather.

The aviation sector has posted two-digit growth rates over the past years, however, investment in infrastructure failed to keep up with the pace.

In six days of the lunar New Year festival from January 26-31 (or the 29th day of the last lunar month to the fourth day of the first lunar month), Tan Son Nhat International Airport – the busiest in Vietnam – welcomed 4,208 flights out of 4,781 flights operated nationwide.

It meant that the airport operated an average of 700 flights a day with only two airstrips. The overload was the main reason for air traffic jams.-VNA 
VNA