International flight routes may resume soon

The Transport Ministry will consider the reopening of international flight routes to countries and territories which have no new cases of Covid-19 in the community for 30 consecutive days, according to a ministry official.

The official, who wanted to remain anonymous, told Vietnam News Agency that priority will be given to Japan, South Korea, China (mainland) and Taiwan and some South-east Asian countries which have controlled the disease.

“Under the government’s direction, the reopening of international flights needs to be considered carefully,” he said.

The resumption of international flights is scheduled to begin at the end of July, according to a proposal from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) sent to the ministry recently.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently directed that the reopening of international flights will have to ensure safety for people because just a small mistake will mean social distancing measures have to be implemented again.

“The reopening aims to serve investors, technical staff and skilled workers in Vietnam. It creates conditions for Vietnamese people living abroad to return home.

“however, all still have to follow strict control procedures to prevent the spread of the pandemic to the community,” the official said.

“Vietnam Airlines has conducted one-way flights transporting Vietnamese people to South Korea for work and study, but it is difficult to restore all international routes.”

head of CAAV Dinh Viet Thang said to maintain and ensure the feasibility of the reopening of international flights, it should not limit the number of passengers, including visitors, who will be required to follow safety rules.

he said transit passengers will not be allowed to enter Vietnam.

Passengers are required to have stayed in countries and territories for at least 30 consecutive days before flight and have negative virus certificates issued three days before the scheduled flight date.

In addition, passengers must be tested upon arrival, he said.