Storms affect aviation
In the first 12 days of June 2025 alone, bad weather affected 285 flights and slowed down another 734 flight route of Vietnam Airlines, affecting more than 2,830 passengers.
Not only is it a challenge to ensure flight safety, the important thing is to maintain stability in operations and maintain trust in passengers. Behind each decision are dedicated, brave people who are always ready to respond.
The weather is an uncontrollable factor, especially in aviation, where every rain or fog can disrupt the entire operation plan. For Vietnam Airlines, the ability to operate in such situations not only reflects operational capacity, but also demonstrates close coordination between units, a spirit of persistent service and determination to protect passengers.
Night-time in response to storm No. 1
On the evening of June 11 and early morning of June 12, storm No. 1 caused heavy rain and gusts of wind in the Central region, causing Vietnam Airlines to cancel 14 flights between Hanoi and Da Nang. The other two flights will change direction to land in Cam Ranh or return to Noi Bai. At the same time, seven flights to Da Nang had to wait for flights, slowing down a line of 32 other flights. In Hue, bad weather has also caused many flights to be delayed or delayed.
At the Exploitation Management Center, Mr. Nguyen Anh Dung closely followed each development to make a decision. The rainfall in Da Nang fluctuated around 200 mm, strong winds caused the pilot's visibility to decrease to about 600700 meters, below the landing range. Faced with unfavorable weather data, Mr. Dung shared: We only have two options, either waiting for the plane within the safe limit or turning around. Passenger safety is always a top priority. In the end, more than 10 flights were canceled, two flights changed direction - a difficult but necessary decision.
Stay calm at Noi Bai
At the same time in Noi Bai, Ms. Hoang Thi Ly Huong, Deputy Head of Passenger Services, received information about the cancellation of seven flights from Hanoi to Da Nang. Nearly 1,230 passengers were affected, demanding urgent and humane handling.
Ms. Huong and the team coordinated with VIAGS to coordinate at the counter, the conveyor belt and the baggage payment; worked with NASCO to arrange vehicles to take passengers to the center of Hanoi at night. Small groups are assigned to support each customer cluster, ensuring clear and orderly guidance.
For passengers, every flight is important. Therefore, every time I have to serve like the first time, I have to be focused and responsible," said Ms. Huong. After nearly 21 years in the profession, she believes that the most important thing is to stay calm. "If the person handling the situation is not calm, the passengers will be twice as confused".
She also stuck to a principle: "Don't react, just act". In stressful situations, emotions need to be put aside to focus on handling, coordinating and communicating effectively.
Proactive in Tan Son Nhat
At the end of May, a heavy rain lasting more than two hours delayed or changed direction many flights in Tan Son Nhat. Among the affected passengers, a group of 10 people reacted strongly because they were worried about missing the next trip from Hanoi. Mr. Truong Minh Hai, Head of VIAGS Passenger Service Center, directly explained the situation and proactively contacted Noi Bai to support the connection for the group after landing.
The captain needs about 40 minutes to fly in permitted conditions. We cannot take off if we do not meet safety standards, Mr. Hai explained. After the journey, the delegation sent a letter of thanks for the clear handling and sense of responsibility of the team.
Depending on the level of flight delay, support options such as drinking water, meals, ticket changes, accommodation or pick-up and drop-off are all flexibly implemented. During another heavy rain, an elderly passenger shook hands to thank each employee serving at the domestic terminal for their complete information and dedicated service style.
Mr. Hai shared that the most important thing is not a support tool but a calm and proactive spirit. We cant change the weather, but we can reassure passengers by providing meticulous and transparent service.
Accompanying in all weather conditions
From June 1 to 12, Vietnam Airlines spent nearly 1.5 billion VND to support passengers affected by bad weather, from meals, drinking water, accommodation to means of transportation. Flexible ticket exchange and refund policies are applied, ensuring full benefits according to regulations.
A representative of Vietnam Airlines shared: "No one wants to change their route. However, if the conditions do not meet safety standards, adjustment is mandatory. We hope that passengers understand and accompany the airline.
Although unfavorable weather can disrupt the journey, Vietnam Airlines always operates steadily, thanks to a quick response system and dedicated staff. On every flight, safety is always a guideline, so that passengers feel accompanied, even on stormy nights.
