Hanoi, 31 January 2020 – Amidst the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific are adjusting their operational plan regarding flight routes between Vietnam and China in an effort to curb the spread of 2019-nCoV, as well as the potential health risks posed to passengers and flight crews.

Vietnam Airlines will suspend flights between Vietnam and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen from the 4th of February, between Vietnam and Chengdu from the 5th of February, between Vietnam and Macau from the 6th of February. The flag carrier will also suspend all flights between Hanoi and Hong Kong from the 6th of February and reduce the frequency of flights between HCMC and Hong Kong from 10 to 7 flights per week. All aircraft returning from China will be carefully decontaminated to prevent the spread of 2019-nCoV.

Jetstar Pacific will also suspend operations between Hanoi – Hong Kong from the 6th of February, Hanoi - Guangzhou from the 9th of February and HCMC - Guangzhou from the 11th of February.

Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific will refund tickets and allow free schedule changes for passengers before the two airlines suspend all operations cited above. All passengers, especially Vietnamese in China planning to fly back to Vietnam are advised to reschedule in advance of their flight’s suspension date. Passengers with plans to visit China are urged to reconsider their options and keep themselves regularly updated on the potential risks of travel to and from the country as well as tracking the flight schedules of Vietnam Airlines.

While all flights to China are still operational, the flag carrier will implement certain precautionary measures in how its service is provided. For instance, it will stop distributing reusable items such as magazines, newspapers, headphones, and blankets. The airline will also start serving only bottled beverages as well as distributing disposable meal boxes instead of trays, disposable utensils, and disposable towels instead of cotton ones.

Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific will continue to work closely with authorities and relevant units to monitor the situation, detect potential signs of illness, and handle suspected cases of affected passengers during their flights and at airports.

For more information, please visit our official website at www.vietnamairlines.com and our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VietnamAirlines or contact our ticket offices in China(*) or the hotline at 1900 1100 (if calling from Vietnam) or +84 24 38320 320 (if calling from overseas).

Jetstar Pacific’s passengers can track information on their website www.jetstar.com/vn, their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JetstarVN, or contact the Customer Care Hotline 1900 1550 in Vietnam, 4001 201 260 or +613 9645 5999 in China; +852 3192 7451 or +613 9645 5999 in Hong Kong.