Vietnamese airlines have been advised by local authorities to reroute or cancel their flights in the next few days to avoid six locations near the island of Taiwan where China conducts live fire drills, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

CAAV Director Dinh Viet Thang told media that after China had announced military drills in some areas near Taiwan from August 4 noon to August 7, the CAAV held a meeting with airlines to carry out detour plans.

Nearly 60 Vietnamese carriers' flights are affected by China's exercises near Taiwan. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

“China’s exercises near Taiwan will affect the flights from Vietnam to the US, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Thus, Vietnamese carriers will not fly over the locations where the drills are conducted,” Thang said.

The CAAV had received an official notice from Chinese authorities warning airlines operating in Asia to avoid flying in areas around Taiwan, he said, noting that the rerouting may lead to longer flight distance and time, as well as higher fuel expenses.

“If they have to reroute their flights through other countries’ airspaces, the CAAV will help carriers seek permission,” the official stressed.

According to the CAAV, nearly 60 flights will be affected, including 36 of Vietnam Airlines, 22 of Vietjet Air, and some of Bamboo Airways.

China's exercises are taking place following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan (China). 

Vietnam's foreign ministry said on August 4 that the country continues to call on all parties to not escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Responding to reporters’ query on the current Taiwan Strait situation, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said that Vietnam expects that related parties will restrain and avoid complicating the situation.

Hang said that Vietnam has consistently adhered the "One-China Principle" and hopes relevant parties will actively contribute to maintaining peace and stability, promoting cooperation and development in the region and the world.