Transport agencies prepare for resumption of international flights

The Ministry of Transport has ordered its affiliates to work with relevant agencies on the resumption of international commercial flights.

A document signed by Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan on September 16 assigned the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to work with agencies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet with partners from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan (China), Cambodia and Laos, including airlines, to discuss who will be allowed to enter the country and the requirements placed on them, along with entry procedures.

The CAAV is also responsible for informing carriers and passengers of Vietnam’s requirements. Tickets to Vietnam can only be purchased by those with visas and accommodation.

Passenger lists need to be submitted to airport authorities at least 30 minutes prior to the flight. Before boarding flights to Vietnam, passengers must have their temperature checked, install the NCOVI health declaration app, and obtain a certificate issued by local authorities stating they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

A separate area in the aircraft will be zoned off for transfer passengers.

Meanwhile, the Health Administration of Transport has been tasked to work with the Ministry of Health and the CAAV to ensure health and safety and devise preventive measures on commercial flights.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh approved a proposal on resuming regular international passenger flights between Vietnam and some partners submitted by the Transport Ministry.

Accordingly, Vietnam will resume four air routes to Guangzhou (China), Taiwan (China), Seoul (the Republic of Korea), and Tokyo (Japan) from September 15, and to Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Vientiane (Laos) from September 22.

The maximum number of flights will not exceed two per week on each route and may be further increased depending on the situation.