Bridging the Miles for a Truly Meaningful Reunion

Shared his insights on this initiative. He affirmed: “This is an inherent responsibility of the National Flag Carrier. Vietnam Airlines will continue to accompany trade union organizations to care for, support, and empower workers to achieve a truly meaningful reunion.”

Reporter: Sir, how did Vietnam Airlines first begin participating in the “Union Flight” program, and what is its current scale?

Mr. Dao Manh Kien: Starting from Tet 2023, Vietnam Airlines successfully organized flights to bring workers home using funds raised from charity auctions. From that first step, the program yielded positive results and spread a humanitarian message to the community. Since then, “Union Flight” has been elevated into a strategic cooperation program between Vietnam Airlines and the VGCL.

Year after year, the program's scale has expanded substantially in terms of the number of flights, the route network, and the number of beneficiaries. While in 2023, we brought home about 80–100 workers, by Tet 2025, we successfully transported 450 workers on two flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and Vinh.

For this Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), Vietnam Airlines is continuing its partnership with the VGCL and the Ho Chi Minh City Confederation of Labour to bring 1,050 workers home for Tet. The airline will operate five dedicated flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City with key transport gateways in the North and Central regions. These flights are scheduled to depart tomorrow, February 12, 2026 (the 25th day of the 12th lunar month). Notably, Vietnam Airlines is directly sponsoring 50 free air tickets for workers in particularly difficult circumstances.

For the remaining 1,000 passengers funded by the Labour Confederations, Vietnam Airlines is applying a 10% discount and prioritizing seat allocation, even as Tet travel demand hits its absolute peak.

Reporter: As you mentioned, the continued and expanding scale of this program shows Vietnam Airlines' resilience and readiness to care for workers. Why does the airline prioritize significant resources for these support flights despite the immense operational pressure of the Tet peak?

Mr. Dao Manh Kien: As the National Flag Carrier, Vietnam Airlines does not just perform business tasks; we carry a responsibility toward the community and social welfare. We identify accompanying the VGCL as an inherent responsibility. Tet is a time for gathering. Bringing migrant workers home contributes to preserving family values and social stability.

Tet is indeed very stressful in terms of both aircraft and manpower, but our philosophy is: Resources may be limited, but sharing is boundless. Through information from the Labour Confederations, we understand that the greatest "barriers" for workers are the costs and availability of tickets. Therefore, Vietnam Airlines chooses to coordinate and optimize our resources to remove these barriers, helping workers return home with a light heart and a truly meaningful reunion.

Reporter: You mentioned a “truly meaningful reunion.” What does that look like from Vietnam Airlines' perspective? Does optimizing resources for support flights affect the service quality of these "Union Flights"?

Mr. Dao Manh Kien: We believe a truly meaningful reunion flight goes far beyond ordinary transport. it must be a journey that brings people back to their families with respect, safety, and speed. Vietnam Airlines acts as the "bridge" for workers to leave behind a year of hard work and fully enjoy the joy of togetherness. The greatest value is not the ticket itself, but the recognition from organizations and society for the workers' contributions to the economy.

Because our goal is a "meaningful reunion," even though these are discounted or free tickets, service standards remain unchanged, and are even enhanced at certain stages. We proactively propose the most convenient flight times so workers can make it home for the year-end family meal.

The Vietnam Airlines Trade Union has coordinated closely with ground service units to create priority lanes at the airport. Furthermore, volunteers who are VNA staff and union members will be stationed at the terminal to assist with procedures and present Tet gifts right at the boarding gate, creating a warm atmosphere from the very first moment.

Reporter: As Chairman of the Vietnam Airlines Trade Union, what is the future direction for this program, and what is the message you wish to send?

Mr. Dao Manh Kien: In 2026, beyond the 10% discount and 50 free tickets, we hope these actions act as a "catalyst" to spread the spirit of mutual affection and encourage other social resources to join hands.

Our message is simple: “Reunion Journey – Empowering Dreams.” Vietnam Airlines commits to being a reliable companion, ready to spread our wings to bring every worker closer to their family. We believe that the stability and happiness of every family is the foundation for the sustainable development and happiness of the country.