Typhoon Bualoi disruption: Flights diverted, trains suspended

The storm directly affected flight operations in both the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh flight information regions (FIRs) from September 26 to 29, according to the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation.

Da Nang, Phu Bai, Dong Hoi, and Tho Xuan airports have reopened after Typhoon Bualoi. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) on September 30 announced that Da Nang, Phu Bai, Dong Hoi, and Tho Xuan airports have reopened though one flight was still forced to divert due to Typhoon Bualoi, the 10th to appear in the East Sea this year.

According to the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), the storm directly affected flight operations in both the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh flight information regions (FIRs) from September 26 to 29.

Specifically, 42 flights were rerouted on September 26. The next day, 181 faced the same situation; particularly at Da Nang International Airport, five flights landed at alternate airports, 30 flights performed holding procedures, and one departure was cancelled due to substandard weather conditions.

On September 28, 92 flights were rerouted. Da Nang, Phu Bai, Dong Hoi, and Tho Xuan airports were closed for several hours, resulting in nearly 100 cancelled flights. By 3pm on September 29, only one flight was rerouted due to the storm.

At Vinh Airport in Nghe An province, terminal and office roofs, warehouses, and fence were ruined while many trees were toppled and several vehicles damaged. Certain infrastructure losses were also recorded at Dong Hoi Airport in Quang Tri province and Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa province.

Authorities are continuing examinations and remedial efforts to restore transport services and ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles.

Meanwhile, heavy rains triggered by the storm’s circulation also disrupted rail operations, prompting the suspension of several train services.

On September 30, trains NA1, NA2, SE9, SE10, SP8, SP3, SP4, and SP7 were suspended, with SP8 scheduled to be cancelled on October 1 as well. More than 1,100 passengers from these trains are expected to be transported by road.

The railway sector confirmed that passengers with tickets on cancelled services will receive full refunds without any fees. Refunds will be available at stations for up to 30 days from the date printed on the ticket./.

VNA