Although Vietnamese authorities have taken several measures to control and manage prices of goods and services at domestic airports, many passengers still complain about high prices.
Many passengers still complain about high prices of services at local airports
After the authorities made an inspection, prices of many goods and services have been adjusted. However, to date, prices of many goods remain high.
As Tet is nearing, the larger airports of Vietnam attract more customers and sell more food and drink.
Nguyen Thi Lien, from Thanh Hoa Province, flew from HCM City to Hanoi, and complained that one sandwich is sold for VND38,000 (USD1.8) at Tan Son Nhat Airport, a bowl of fried noodles seasoned with pork for VND50,000 and a dish of meat and vegetables cost VND62,000.
Prices of many products and services at Noi Bai International Airport are also high. One can of soda is normally sold for VND25,000, and hot dogs for VND30,000.
Despite the high prices, many customers complain about the quality. Vu Thi Nhu Anh, from Thu Duc District, said prices of goods and services at airports in some countries are the same as Vietnam, but their quality is much better.
According to some businesses, the price of renting space at airports is so high that they must pass on these costs to passengers.
One employee of a service provider at Noi Bai International Airport said his company has gad to return some stalls to airport management due to the high rental fees.
Dang Tuan Tu, Director of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, denied this. “No company has given up their space to the airport. If any company returns their space, we will re-lease it to others. The rental fees at the airport are only a few hundred of thousand VND per square metre.”
Pham Xuan The, an official from the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV), admitted there were higher prices for goods and services at airports than those at the market. He explained that all airports are far from central areas, and that airport businesses are required to spend more for transport. On top of that, he said, these businesses are provided with modern facilities.
Nonetheless, he has asked airport management boards to negotiate with companies about price adjustment. High prices of goods and services will not be accepted, he added.
“We have requested that airport authorities hear any business complaints concerning high prices of goods or rental space,” The said.
In August 2013, Noi Bai International Airport has applied ceiling for service prices to avoid the uncontrolled price hikes.