In a decision signed by Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan, the ministry stated that a temporary guideline for safe and flexible operation of passenger transport amid COVID-19 will take effect until November 30. Its implementation will be reviewed after the first 15 days.

Accordingly, a maximum of six flights each way daily will be allowed on the routes connecting Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi – Da Nang, and Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City from October 21 – November 14, and the number will be raised to seven during November 15-30.

On other routes, the maximum will be four flights each way per day.

The Transport Ministry has also proposed that airlines no longer need to keep middle seat empty on flights from October 21, but passengers have to meet one of the three conditions to fly, which is either having a certificate for full vaccination for at least 14 days and no later than 12 months before departure, or recovery from COVID-19 no later than six months before departure, or testing negative to SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing methods no later than 72 hours before departure.

Vietnam Airlines plans to operate nearly 40 domestic routes

Vietnam Airlines is anticipated to operate roughly 40 routes nationwide in a bid to meet the travel demand of passengers after several localities eased post-pandemic travel restrictions.

The national flag carrier is expected to officially open ticket sales on October 20 immediately after receiving permission from local authorities.

The group, comprising Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), plans to operate approximately 40 routes across the country from October 21 to November 30, nearly equal to the total number of pre=pandemic routes.

Compared to the pilot period, several domestic air routes have been resumed in a bid to connect with new destinations, including Con Dao, Dien Bien, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku, and Lam Dong.

The frequency of flight routes is set to be gradually increased in order to meet the market demand. As a result, Vietnam Airlines is expected to operate over 90 daily flights starting from October 21, and increase the figure to nearly 120 flights from the end of October to November.

On the major routes between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, Vietnam Airlines plans to operate two flights per day, while Pacific Airlines will operate one flight per day.

On other local routes, Vietnam Airlines will reopen five routes between Da Nang and Hai Phong, Buon Ma Thuot, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Can Tho from mid-November.

The remaining routes will subsequently be operated by VASCO, including routes between Hanoi-Dien Bien, Ho Chi Minh City-Con Dao, Ca Mau-Rach Gia, and Can Tho-Con Dao.

Previously, during the 11-day pilot scheme from October 10 to October 20, Vietnam Airlines Group had operated a total of 16 routes, conducting 150 flights and transported nearly 12,000 passengers.

Source: VNA/VOV