Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam Airlines has announced the adjustment of its flight schedule in the central cities of Hue and Da Nang on October 22 and 23 due to the impact of Storm Fengshen, the 12th storm entering the East Sea so far this year.
Specifically, on October 22, flights VN1545 and VN1544 between Hanoi and Hue will depart 2 hours earlier than originally scheduled. Flights VN1378 and VN1379 between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue will be rescheduled to October 23 morning. Flights VN179, VN180, VN187, and VN188 between Hanoi and Da Nang; and VN136, VN137, VN140 between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang will depart 1.5 hours to 2 hours earlier.
The following flights on October 22 will be canceled: VN1549, VN1548 (Hanoi–Hue), VN7197 (Hanoi–Da Nang), VN7122, VN142, VN143 (Ho Chi Minh City– Da Nang), and VN1940, VN1941 (Da Nang–Cam Ranh). Cancellation will be also made on flights VN156 (Da Nang–Hanoi) and VN101 (Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City) on October 23.
Other domestic and international flights may be affected by the storm’s developments. Passengers impacted will be assisted according to the airline’s regulations.
The Vietnam Airlines Group advised passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened throughout the flight, even when the seatbelt light is switched off, as a precaution against turbulence caused by adverse weather conditions.
The carrier stressed that schedule changes are unavoidable due to force majeure and may continue to evolve depending on real-time developments.
Passengers are encouraged to stay updated through official communication channels, including the website www.vietnamairlines.com, the Vietnam Airlines mobile app, Zalo, the airline’s official Facebook page, ticket offices, authorised agents, or the customer service hotline 1900 1100.
The Huong River in Hue city is in full spate, inundating nearby roads. (Photo: VNA)
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, five airports are on alert due to potential unusual developments of Storm Fengshen.
Specifically, airports forecast to be directly affected include Phu Bai International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, and Chu Lai Airport. Pleiku Airport and Phu Cat Airport are advised to proactively monitor information and remain on alert in case the storm has unusual developments.
These airports have implemented plans to cope with the storm and rain, including measures to prevent flooding, clear water flow within the airport, and protect infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment. The goal is to minimise damage and quickly stabilise aviation operations to serve passengers’ needs.
Associate Professor Dr. Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, stated that Storm Fengshen will weaken upon reaching the sea waters between Hue and Quang Ngai but will still bring prolonged heavy rainfall. Combined with strong northeast winds and wind disturbances, the storm poses a high risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides in the central localities.
Khiem forecast that by October 22 afternoon, the storm will move into the waters between Hue and Quang Ngai, weakening to level 8. By the night of October 22 and the morning of October 23, it will further weaken into a tropical depression and make landfall in the area between the two localities. By the morning and noon of October 23, it will move into southern Laos, weakening into a low-pressure area./.