Hanoi, 29 March 2020 –  To further slow the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam Airlines will reduce the frequency of domestic flights from now until the 15th of April. The entire flight crew of Vietnam Airlines will be equipped with protective gear.

Specifically, from the 28th of March, Vietnam Airlines will reduce operation of 35 domestic routes to only 8, with total seats provided of about 10% of the usual plan. These routes will be operated at the minimum frequency to serve urgent needs and pandemic prevention will continue to be followed in the strictest manner. Vietnam Airlines also supports domestic passengers affected by COVID-19 in changing flights, changing itineraries, or refunding tickets as per the airline’s current regulation.
 
The flight crew on all flights, consisting of pilots, flight attendants, and technical staff, will be equipped with protective gear, including suits, gloves, face masks, and glasses. At the same time, Vietnam Airlines will conduct the SARS-CoV-2 test for all of its pilots and flight attendants. The set of standards of pandemic prevention will be more strictly implemented throughout the network.
 
Previously, on the 19th of March, Vietnam Airlines had announced to suspend all international services until the end of the 30th of April, 2020. Since the coronavirus outbreak started, Vietnam Airlines has stringently taken preventive measures such as spraying disinfectant on every aircraft serving international flights and carrying passengers suspected of infection upon landing. From 0:00 a.m on the 25th of March, every aircraft serving domestic flights had been disinfected upon landing at Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and all aircraft operating during the day had been disinfected once again at the end of the same day. All passengers and flight crew members have their body temperature checked before boarding. The airline also requires all passengers to wear face masks throughout the flight and refuses to transport passengers showing signs of COVID-19 infection.