Tuesday, 31/03/2020 09:58 (GMT+7)
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam’s proposal, the Ministry of Transport has agreed to limit domestic flights from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to other cities and provinces to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Photo for illustration (Source: vtv.vn)
Domestic airlines are allowed to transport passengers with a frequency of one flight a day on certain routes, including Hanoi-HCM City and vice versa, Hanoi-Da Nang, Hanoi-Phu Quoc and vice versa; HCM City-Da Nang, HCM City-Phu Quoc and vice versa.
The instruction, issued late on March 29th, is effective from midnight March 30th to April 15th.
According to the ministry, when there is a need to transport passengers from local airports to Hanoi and HCM City and vice versa, airlines may ask the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam’s permission in each specific case.
Meanwhile, the CAAV has asked Vietnamese airlines to refund, change itinerary and extend flight validity for affected passengers without collecting any extra fees.
The ministry also asked airlines to strictly adhere to the Ministry of Health’s regulations on the isolation of foreign flight crews and mandatory electronic health declarations by passengers before boarding, as well as other preventive measures.
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced it will reduce the frequency of domestic flights between now and April 15th in compliance with the Prime Minister’s Directive to fight COVID-19.
From March 28th, the carrier will cut its 35 domestic routes to eight with about 10 percent of total seats compared to normal plans. It will also help affected passengers change flights and itinerary or have their tickets refunded.
Crew members on all of its flights will be equipped with protective gears and tested for COVID-19./.
BTA