Vietnam to open to Japan and South Korea

Vietnam Airlines suspended its international flights in March (photo courtesy Unsplash/Helmer Baechle).

Vietnam has unveiled plans for resuming international flights to destinations across Asia this month.

The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam submitted proposals to the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control requesting flights restart with Guangzhou, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Cambodia and Laos.

Vietnam Airlines has now said that one-way flights to Japan will resume from Hanoi to Tokyo’s Narita Airport, departing on September 18, September 25 and September 30. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Narita will depart on September 30. Tickets are now available on the Vietnam Airlines website.

The one-way flights are to serve "the increasing needs of passengers wishing to work, study and stay in Japan," according to Vietnam Airlines.

A decision to allow passengers to fly the return leg from Japan to Vietnam has yet to be made by authorities. Arrivals into Vietnam will be expected to quarantine for 14 days. Passengers must take a Covid-19 test within three days of travel and on arrival they will undergo rapid testing paid by the airline. Quarantine costs will be paid by passengers. The airline says that all air crew will undergo health checks as well as quarantine on completion of the flight.

It’s hoped that flights will also soon restart with Korea, China, Taiwan, Laos and Cambodia.

Vietnam suspended international flights in March. The country has reported 1,046 cases and 34 deaths.