Aircraft operated by Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad have been affected, with several aircraft currently stranded at Noi Bai International Airport.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Israel announced the closure or restriction of their airspace for national security reasons.

Major airports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have also suspended or limited operations, disrupting international routes connecting Europe and Asia through the region.

In Vietnam, as of 9 a.m. on March 1, Noi Bai International Airport recorded aircraft unable to depart due to airspace closures. Specifically, two Qatar Airways aircraft and one Emirates aircraft remain grounded at Noi Bai as a result of the suspension of airspace in Qatar and Dubai.

To ensure flight safety, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has instructed relevant units to implement urgent measures.

The Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) has been directed to proactively develop air traffic management solutions and provide timely and accurate information to airlines to respond to the conflict situation.

Airlines have been asked to regularly update developments in the conflict and safety advisories issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in order to make appropriate operational decisions.

 They are required to conduct risk assessments and select safe alternative routes, avoiding conflict areas or closed airspace.

Carriers are required to fulfill their obligations to passengers by promptly informing them of schedule changes, explaining the reasons and providing support options to minimize inconvenience.

Airports and ground service providers are responsible for assisting passengers affected by cancellations or delays and ensuring security and order at airports.

The Air Transport Department is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with airlines to consolidate operating plans and advise on necessary management measures.

Airlines operating routes to and from Vietnam are required to report and coordinate closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam when adjusting schedules to promptly handle situations beyond their authority.

Vietnam Airlines’ Europe flights unaffected by Middle East airspace closures

Vietnam Airlines’ flights between Vietnam and Europe continue to operate normally despite widespread airspace closures across parts of the Middle East triggered by recent airstrikes targeting Iran, a representative of the national carrier confirmed to the Vietnam News Agency on February 28 evening.