Around 5,000 passengers could enter Vietnam this September from five countries and one territory by air, with a frequency of one round-trip flight per week per destination, said Vice Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong.

5,000 air passengers will arrive in Vietnam this September. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi

Speaking at the government’s regular press briefing on September 4, Mr. Dong said that the ministry's request to reopen international routes to Japan, South Korea, China from September 15 and Taiwan (China), Cambodia and Laos from of September 22 has been submitted to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc for approval.

Those flights will prioritize people entering with diplomatic and business purposes and overseas Vietnamese.  

Their quarantine process will be conducted under the guidance issued by the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. The transport ministry has discussed with aviation and airline authorities to draw up the optimal choice as proposed.

Minister - Head of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung said the resumption of air travel should be carried out by phases. After a trial period, the flight frequency and scope of passengers would be expanded. Only passengers bearing papers certifying that they are negative for the coronavirus could board the plane.

The Ministry of Health has issued a series of procedures for quarantining at home, at offices, schools and safety measures in public places. The ministry believes that the reopening the international route would be carried out safely to ensure safety for people and the economic development, Mr. Truong Quoc Cuong, deputy Health Minister said.