Air passengers have tickets refunded due to COVID-19

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines offers priority for passengers who depart from January 29 due to their flight change, in an effort to avoid pandemic-hit areas. Bamboo Airways allows passengers to change their tickets free of charge no more than 72 hours ahead of their flight’s departure. Passengers can get a free refund on tickets purchased due to the cancellation of flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the event passengers order tickets at direct booths, they are able to claim a refund within 90 days of their request. Many flights have greatly been impacted since January 29, the majority of which are related to the fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Hanoi, Quang Ninh province, and Hai Phong city. Most airlines also encourage passengers to make use of online check-in counters to avoid queues and crowded gatherings at the airport. Many airlines are now entering their peak time ahead of Tet, a period which is considered a good way for airlines to recover after enduring a hard year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the latest COVID-19 outbreak is spreading widely among the community, thereby giving another heavy blow to the airlines’ recovery plans.