Airlines resume flights to flood-hit areas

Speaking with Tuoi Tre on the afternoon of November 22, representatives of Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet confirmed that they are urgently implementing flexible policies for ticket exchanges and refunds, "activating" programs to support the transportation of emergency relief goods.

Airlines transport relief goods for free to flood-hit areas - Photo: VNA

Over the past three days, many flights to and from Tuy Hoa, Phu Cat and Cam Ranh airports have been canceled or delayed due to bad weather. For example, on November 20, Tuy Hoa airport was even temporarily closed due to flooding, preventing a series of flights from taking off and landing.

Vietnam Airlines has announced the cancellation of flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Tuy Hoa. Vietjet has also temporarily suspended two flights on the Ho Chi Minh City - Tuy Hoa route.

The airline said all affected passengers were assisted in changing flights and refunding reservations according to current policies. As of November 22, flights to airports had stabilized.

Although the airlines have not yet announced official figures, according to estimates from a commercial officer of the airline, each airport in Cam Ranh, Phu Cat and Tuy Hoa has about 5-6 flights/day, with an average of 180 passengers/flight.

Thus, the three airports have a total of about 15-18 flights/day, equivalent to 2,700 - 3,200 passengers. Three days of rain and floods disrupted aviation operations, with more than 8,000 to 10,000 passengers unable to make their planned journeys.

In order to support passengers, Vietnam Airlines has implemented a policy of free change of flight date and itinerary for passengers departing from or arriving at Tuy Hoa, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang during the period from November 20 to November 25.

The support period is valid until November 30. For connecting flights or domestic flights, the support is to change to flights until December 10. Passengers only need to pay the price difference, taxes and fees.

Vietjet also offers free flight changes or refunds for affected passengers at Cam Ranh airports from November 20 to 23, Phu Cat from November 19 to 21 and Tuy Hoa from November 20 to 25.

In parallel with supporting passengers, airlines simultaneously "activated" the program to support the transportation of emergency relief goods. Vietnam Airlines Group (including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, VASCO) continues to receive and transport relief goods free of charge to the provinces of Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Dak Lak ... from now until December 31.

All transportation costs, fuel surcharges and related fees are waived. Relief goods are given priority loading on flights to Phu Cat, Tuy Hoa, Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku, Phu Bai, Da Nang and Chu Lai airports. The program may be extended depending on actual needs.

Vietnam Airlines said that the organizations that are eligible include the Fatherland Front at all levels, People's Committees of provinces and cities, the Red Cross, socio-political organizations, licensed charity funds... Other individuals and organizations in need can contact Vietnam Airlines' contacts.

Vietjet also continues to transport relief goods free of charge from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the central provinces. Passengers and organizations in need can contact via hotline or email cuutro@vietjetair.com.

Although flight operations are gradually stabilizing, airlines said many routes to the airport, especially Phu Cat airport, are still deeply flooded due to slow water drainage. Heavy rain is forecast to continue, and airlines advise passengers to depart earlier than usual, update traffic conditions and monitor flight schedules to avoid disruptions.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hang-khong-khoi-phuc-bay-den-vung-mua-lu-20251122230411955.htm