Noi Bai Airport sees full recovery
The global aviation industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Vietnam had not been spared. Back in March when Vietnam first enforced movement restrictions in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus, airports were effectively shut down as only special flights were permitted.
It wasn’t until 23rd April when Vietnam’s government lifted nationwide social distancing measures that the aviation industry started to slowly recover. As locals gradually transitioned into normalcy, travel demands have also picked up as domestic flights resumed their services.
As of today, 24th June, Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, which has been ranked 87 in World’s Top 100 Airports list, has reportedly returned to full operations and it is seeing as many daily passengers as before the pandemic too.
Post-COVID-19 recovery
Noi Bai Airport
Image adapted from: Vu Long
According to Báo Giao Thông, Noi Bai Airport sees 400 to 450 domestic flights on average per day, with over 60,000 passengers transiting there. This is on par with numbers before the country-wide lockdown.
Inside Noi Bai Airport
Image adapted from: Vu Long
The number of passengers surged over the weekend as more people go on holidays, likely tempted by the numerous promotions and discounts from the airlines and tour agencies.
Noi Bai Airport ramps up measures to prevent airport congestion
To adapt to post-COVID safety measures and to enhance passenger experiences, Noi Bai Airport has implemented measures to reduce airport congestion. These include opening more check-in kiosks and appointing more staff to guide passengers through the check-in process.
Image credit: Noi Bai Airport
More traffic policemen and security guards are also posted at the entryways of Noi Bai Airport to regulate traffic before the airport approaches maximum capacity.
Image credit: Noi Bai Airport
To make sure that every passenger can catch their flight on time during the peak season, Noi Bai Airport is also encouraging passengers to check in at least 1 to 2 hours prior to departure and to do so online, if possible.
Because of heightened awareness of personal hygiene due to the pandemic, passengers are also asked to wear face masks at all times and sanitize their hands often.
Image credit: Noi Bai Airport
Vietjet opens 8 additional flight routes
The increased travel demands has also led Vietjet Air to open new flight routes connecting Da Nang, Vietnam’s most liveable city, with Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.
The launch ceremony of the new flight routes
Image credit: Vietjet Air
With these new additions, Da Nang has become the largest transition center of Central Vietnam, with direct flights to 10 provinces across the country.
Da Nang City
Image credit: @pwign
Flight routes between Hanoi and Quy Nhon, Hai Phong and Binh Dinh, Vinh and Phu Quoc have also been recently added to the airline’s flight schedules, so passengers can have more options for air travel.
Phu Quoc island
Image credit: @dnunis
Japan to reconnect flights with Vietnam this week
Another good news is that Japan has recently announced the reopening of flights between Japan and Vietnam, phase by phase.
According to VNExpress, the first flights between Japan and Vietnam will operate between 25th and 27th June, carrying 440 businessmen.
Vietnam’s government has also agreed to take in Japanese nationals as long as they follow the COVID-19 safety rules, such as making health declarations and entering quarantine upon arrival.
The reopening of air routes between the 2 countries is also welcome, as the construction of Saigon’s first metro system, which is built by Japan’s Hitachi Company, has similarly been affected by the suspension of flights between the two countries.
The interiors of Saigon’s first train
Image adapted from: HCMC METRO
Noi Bai Airport recovers from the COVID-19 crisis
Over the past few months, we have learnt to embrace the medical and economic challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, and we are entering the reopening phase more confidently and stronger than ever, with the recovery of the aviation industry
Even though it’s good to be able to travel more now, let’s not forget to continue to wear masks in public and sanitize our hands often, as the global fight against COVID-19 is still ongoing.
Also check out:
- Noi Bai Airport made the list of World’s Top 100 Airports
- Vietnam Airlines ready to open international flights
- More people flock to Lan Ha beach as COVID-19 in Vietnam is under control
- Vietnam Airlines resumes all domestic flights
- Bamboo Airways expands its air routes amid COVID-19 crisis
- Vietnam lifts restrictions on leisure spots
- Saigon’s first metro station takes shape
- Discounted railway tickets now for sale
- Vietnamese support struggling students in Japan amid COVID-19
Cover image adapted from: Vu Long
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