Can Tho wants to open more air routes

HCMC - Can Tho City government has committed to support airlines to open air links between the city and domestic and international destinations, with a maximum subsidy of VND8.5 billion a year, not to mention other assistance for marketing and office rental.

On May 10, leaders of Can Tho City met with representatives of tourism and aviation companies to discuss a plan to add flights to and from the city.

In addition, the municipal government is drafting mechanisms and policies to support enterprises to open air routes, including support for office rental, promotion, ground service fees and financial aid for vacant seats in the initial time.

According to the draft, except Can Tho - Hanoi, Can Tho - Danang, Can Tho - Phu Quoc and Can Tho - Con Dao routes, airlines opening new routes to and from Can Tho will enjoy incentives such as office rental for 12 months with a maximum subsidy of VND15 million per month per firm. Ground service fees will be halved in the first year for domestic flights while international flights will receive an additional 30% discount in the following year.

The city will also cover the first year's losses for airlines, at a minimum of VND4.5 billion and a maximum of VND8.5 billion, depending on routes.

In order to promote tourism development, the city has asked competent agencies to encourage travel firms to offer preferential prices for tourists traveling by air to the city. Can Tho leaders expect to have air links with Haiphong, Cam Ranh and Bangkok of Thailand this year.

Can Tho International Airport currently has domestic flights to Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Con Dao and Danang. Meanwhile, routes connecting the city with Dalat and Nha Trang have been suspended due to losses.

For international routes, flights from the city to Taipei, Taiwan are just available during Lunar New Year holiday while chartered flights to Bangkok, Thailand have come to a halt.

Last year, the number of visitors to Can Tho City grew 14% year-on-year to reach 5.3 million, including over 590,000 foreign visitors. Total tourism revenue reached VND1,826 billion (about US$80.3 million), up 5% over the previous year.

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Can Tho wants to open more air routes

Can Tho City looks to open more air routes to promote tourism development - PHOTO: DAO LOAN