Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted air travel to and from Vietnam, leading to numerous flight cancellations and affecting thousands of passengers.

In response, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has introduced an emergency measure to support affected airlines by reducing overnight aircraft parking fees by 50 percent.

Nearly 5,000 passengers affected

At Noi Bai International Airport, the ongoing conflict has continued to force airlines to adjust flight schedules.

On March 4 alone, six additional flights were canceled, including four operated by Qatar Airways, one by Emirates and one by Etihad Airways. Approximately 1,800 passengers were affected.

From February 28 to March 4, a total of 22 flights were canceled, disrupting travel plans for about 4,600 passengers.

Major Middle Eastern airlines have temporarily suspended operations to ensure safety.

Etihad Airways has suspended all commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 2:00 p.m. on March 5.

Emirates has halted all flights to and from Dubai until 11:59 p.m. due to airspace closures, maintaining only a limited number of repatriation and cargo flights.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has suspended all scheduled flights until Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority confirms that operations can safely resume.

According to representatives of Noi Bai International Airport, three aircraft - one belonging to Emirates and two to Qatar Airways - are currently parked at the airport for extended periods because operations have not yet resumed.

Fifty percent reduction in overnight parking fees

In response to the situation, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam has decided to reduce overnight aircraft parking fees by 50 percent for airlines from countries affected by the conflict.

The preferential policy will be applied for 30 days.

The decision is based on Article 8 of Circular 44/2024 on pricing policies for aviation services issued by the Ministry of Construction, which allows airport authorities to apply price reductions in emergency situations or during wartime.

Nguyen Cao Cuong, Deputy General Director of ACV, told Tien Phong that aircraft remaining on the ground for extended periods occupy parking positions needed for domestic airlines and require additional airport resources to ensure safety and security.

However, he said ACV is committed to providing maximum support for international airlines during this emergency period.

To receive the discounted fee, airlines must submit official requests and relevant documentation directly to the airport where their aircraft are parked as a basis for settlement.

Measures from Middle Eastern airlines

Airlines have also introduced flexible policies to assist affected passengers.

Representatives of Emirates in Vietnam said the airline is prioritizing support for passengers and flight crews.

Passengers can change tickets to flights departing on or before March 20 or request refunds for bookings scheduled to depart on or before March 10.

Etihad Airways allows passengers to change flights without additional fees for departures up to March 31 for tickets issued on or before February 28 and originally scheduled to depart by March 10. Refunds are also available for flights scheduled through March 10.

Qatar Airways is offering free changes to departure dates within 14 days or refunds for unused portions of tickets for flights scheduled between February 28 and March 10.

To avoid disruptions on routes to Europe, airlines are advising passengers to prioritize direct flights operated by Vietnam Airlines or consider flights operated by Chinese airlines through northern air corridors that avoid conflict zones.

Alternative transit routes through major Asian hubs such as Taipei with EVA Air, Singapore with Singapore Airlines or Scoot, Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, or Bangkok with Thai Airways are also recommended.

Passengers are advised to check flight status through official airline websites or mobile applications before heading to the airport and to ensure their contact information is updated to receive urgent notifications.

Tien Phong