Vietnam: Ministry seeks to restart regular international flights

After nearly two years of suspended international flights, with exceptions only for returning citizens and foreign experts coming to work, the Ministry of Transport has requested the resumption of regular international flights to Vietnam. The ministry had a recent meeting with representatives of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and Pacific Airlines on the difficulties and solutions to restoring regular international routes. The airlines and airport operators have proposed the resumption of regular international flights, deputy transport minister Le Anh Tuan said. While foreign tourists can visit Vietnam at the moment under a pilot scheme, the fees are expensive and the procedure is complicated, putting Vietnamese airlines at a competitive disadvantage compared to other countries. Solutions to facilitate more arrivals include easing medical quarantine regulations and recognising “vaccine passports” for international flights. According to airport operators, airports are ready to receive international flights. All staff are vaccinated and airports have arranged areas and equipment to receive flights and passengers to ensure Covid-19 prevention and control. Representatives of the ministries and related agencies agree that the reopening of international flights is consistent with the government’s policy on safe, flexible and effective adaptation to the pandemic.<br/>