Vietnam Airlines has temporarily suspended services to France, Malaysia, Russia and Taiwan in response to the spread of Covid-19 and travel restrictions imposed by countries and regions around the world.
France
The Vietnamese flag carrier has suspended flights to France from March 17 “until further notice” from authorities, the airline said in a press release.
The airline operates flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris. It previously announced flight reductions on its routes to Paris.
Vietnam Airlines said its flights between Vietnam and London and Frankfurt will continue operating as planned, though with reduced frequency.
The airline said it will waive fees for itinerary and date changes for affected passengers on flights between Vietnam and France from March 18 through June 30.
Malaysia
Vietnam Airlines will also cancel flights to Malaysia from March 18 to March 31 due to the Malaysian government’s temporary border closure announcement, which bars foreign travellers from entering the country until March 31. The airline will also waive fees for date changes on flights between Vietnam and Malaysia during this period.
The carrier operates a daily flight from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur.
Vietnam Airlines also said it will consider reducing its Southeast Asia routes.
Russia and Taiwan
Vietnam Airlines will also suspend flights to Russia and Taiwan from today March 19 until further notice, the airline said.
According to the airline’s winter schedule, it flies three times weekly to Moscow from Hanoi.
The suspension also follows Taiwan’s decision to bar entry to all foreign nationals starting from midnight on March 19.
The airline operates 11 weekly flights between Hanoi and Taipei, 10 weekly flights between Hanoi and Kaohsiung, seven weekly flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Taipei, as well as 10 weekly flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Kaohsiung.
The airline said it will waive conditions and fees for itinerary or flight date changes for all passengers flying between Vietnam and Russia or Taiwan whose travel plans have been affected by these suspensions.
It added that it’ll announce the resumption of the suspended routes after it receives updated information from authorities, and it will continue to monitor the situation and alter its plans for other destinations in response to decisions made by governments.
Vietnam Airlines previously suspended services to South Korea, and cut flights to London and Frankfurt.
