VietNamNet Bridge – The number of delayed flights increased more than expected in July, the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) said.

A CAAV report showed that between July 1 and 28, about 21 per cent of flights were delayed – 3,810 out of 17,850 flights. Airlines cancelled 76 flights, or 0.4 per cent of the total.

Budget carrier VietJet Air had the highest rate of delayed flights, 23.5 per cent, followed by Vietnam Airlines with 21.2 per cent. Jetstar Pacific Airlines had the lowest rate, 20.7 per cent.

Dinh Viet Son, deputy head of CAAV, said that July was peak travel season for domestic passengers. Airports such as Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh and Phu Bai, which are in popular tourist destinations, were overloaded during peak hours and had numerous delays.

HCM City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport closed four days for repair work, forcing the airlines to reduce the number of domestic flights from 35 per hour to 30.

"I must say that the high rate of delayed flights last month was only due to it being the peak season," Son said. "The rate will return to a normal level of between 10 and 15 per cent in August when travel demand decreases."

Son said CAAV has tightened control over the number of delayed and cancelled flights. Passengers on delayed flights were informed about changes in departure time, and given food and drink. Those whose flights were cancelled were moved to the nearest flights and given compensation.

He asked the airlines to adjust their flight schedules as needed, and assure passengers' rights in the event of a delayed or cancelled flight.

In the first six months of the year, there were more than 101,000 flights, according to CAV. More than 15,170 of these or 15 per cent were delayed, while 535 or 0.5 per cent were cancelled.

VNS