On Thursday (Sept 3), Vietnam has reported that the country is working on the plan to resume operations of international flights to and from six more destinations in Asia. The resumption of flights is likely to start from the mid of September, subject to approvals from authorities.

According to report from Mr. Vo Huy Cuong, the deputy head of CAAV, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed to resume the flight operations to and from 6 Asian destinations that include Guangzhou, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo and Vientiane. It means that around 5,000 travelers will arrive every week.

The flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, its unit Pacific Airlines and budget carrier Vietjet Air are scheduled to operate their flights to these destinations. These airlines have decided to limit the number of inbound passengers. However,

As per the requirements of the Ministry of Health, passengers who are entering into Vietnam must be isolated for at least two weeks unless their visit is less than 14 days. The country which is also a tourism hotspot is still closed to international tourists due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The step to resume international flights is in stark contrast with several regional neighbor countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, which are suffering huge losses due to strict restrictions on foreign tourists and business travelers. Vietnam is also taking many steps towards revive its tourism, transports and economy.

Vietnam had suspended the departure and arrival of all international flights in late March, in a bid to limit the spread and importation of COVID-19 transmission to the community. The local airlines have been hit hard with an estimated loss of US $3 billion this year.

In regards to COVID-19 transmission in Vietnam, the country has reported a total number of 1,046 confirmed cases which are under treatment and 35 patients have died due to virus. However, 746 patients who tested positive to COVID-19 have completely recovered from the virus, as of Thursday (Sept 3).