Airlines offer free ticket changes for passengers affected by floods

VTV.vn - Domestic airlines have simultaneously activated passenger support policies, allowing flexible ticket changes and refunds to minimize the impact on passengers.

Domestic airlines have simultaneously activated passenger support policies, allowing flexible ticket changes and refunds to minimize the impact on journeys disrupted by the historic storms and floods that have swept the Central region in recent days. This policy was urgently implemented after key airports such as Tuy Hoa, Phu Cat and Cam Ranh were forced to change their take-off and landing plans due to extreme weather.

Airport overloaded, 10,000 passengers cannot fly as planned

In the past three days, aviation activities in the Central region have been overloaded and chaotic due to heavy rain and floods. Typically, on November 20, Tuy Hoa airport had to temporarily close due to deep flooding, unable to ensure safe operating conditions. This caused a series of flights of major airlines such as Vietnam Airlines , Vietjet and Bamboo Airways to be canceled or delayed.

Specifically, Vietnam Airlines announced the cancellation of flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Tuy Hoa; Vietjet temporarily suspended two flights on the Ho Chi Minh City - Tuy Hoa route. Even many international airlines such as Scoot flying to Cam Ranh had to adjust their schedules, right at the peak time of year-end tourism.

Although operations at airports have gradually stabilized by November 22, road traffic to the airport, especially Phu Cat, is still heavily affected due to slow water receding.

It is estimated that the three airports of Cam Ranh, Phu Cat and Tuy Hoa have a total of about 2,700 - 3,000 passengers traveling each day. During the historic flood period from November 19 to 21 alone, it is estimated that about 8,000 - 10,000 passengers were unable to make their journeys as planned, creating great pressure on the customer support system.

A series of airlines activate 'rescue' policies

Faced with the emergency, airlines quickly launched special support programs.

Bamboo Airways is the pioneer in expanding its support policy for passengers arriving/departing from Quy Nhon (Phu Cat airport). The airline offers free flight date and itinerary changes for passengers departing or arriving at Quy Nhon between November 19 and November 25. Even tickets that are no-show from November 19 to 21 are still supported to change without restrictions, free of change fees, and only the difference in price and tax incurred is collected. Tickets with domestic return flights are also supported to change to other flights until December 10 according to the same policy. The time to receive support requests lasts until November 30, however, Bamboo Airways notes that tickets departing from November 19-21 that have been previously changed or refunded will not be eligible for free support this time.

Similarly, as soon as the weather turns bad, Vietnam Airlines also announced a policy of supporting free flight date and itinerary changes for passengers departing or arriving at Tuy Hoa, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang during the period of November 20 - November 25. The support period lasts until November 30. For connecting flights or domestic return tickets, passengers can change to flights until December 10 and only need to pay the price difference, taxes or fees incurred.

Vietjet also implemented a similar policy, offering free flight changes or refunds for passengers flying to Cam Ranh from November 20 to 23, Phu Cat from November 19 to 21 and Tuy Hoa from November 20 to 25.

Airlines representatives said that customer service departments have been increased to quickly handle requests arising during peak periods. Passengers are advised to check flight schedules regularly and to depart earlier in case the traffic routes into the airport are not completely dry.

Tighten mining safety and prioritize relief goods

Faced with the complex weather conditions, airlines are coordinating with authorities to prioritize the transportation of relief goods to flood-hit areas, ensuring that food and essential supplies are delivered quickly. Vietnam Airlines has directed ground service and flight operations teams to increase their staffing levels and be ready to handle any issues related to passengers and relief goods.

Airlines prioritize transporting relief goods.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has continuously monitored weather developments in the Central region and updated information for airlines to coordinate appropriate operations.

A representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam affirmed: "We require airlines to put flight safety first and take timely support measures so that passengers' travel plans are not too affected."

Although flight operations have gradually stabilized, airlines said that many routes to the airport, especially Phu Cat airport, are still deeply flooded due to slow water drainage. In the context that the floods may continue, the aviation industry continues to advise passengers to monitor flight schedule updates from airlines, proactively adjust plans and limit travel through areas heavily affected by natural disasters.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam pledges to continue to accompany airlines and monitor weather conditions in the Central region to proactively direct airlines to take timely support measures to ensure safety and the most convenient journey for passengers.

Source: https://vtv.vn/hang-khong-doi-ve-mien-phi-cho-khach-bi-anh-huong-mua-lu-100251124151940097.htm