TRAVEL companies in Vietnam have been left in limbo after hearing news reports but no official confirmation that thousands of flights could be delayed in the coming months due to runway repairs at key airports.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) will proceed with repairs at key airports from April 10 to June 25, which could see around 80 flights cut and 10,000 passengers unable to fly each day at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City alone, local media reported.
Edouard Georges, president, Phoenix Voyages, said the authorities have neither consulted the trade on the issue nor made an official announcement. “We had to find out from the media,” he said. “It seems that the decision is not firm yet and is still under consideration by the CAAV.”
Andy Carroll, global head of sales and marketing, Exotic Voyages, confirmed the lack of official notification. “Until now, we have only received one confirmation that the airport in Pleiku in the Central Highlands will undergo comprehensive repair. Cat Bi airport (in Hai Phong) will also be upgraded to international standard; hopefully that will facilitate travellers to Halong Bay,” he said.
“We have not received any formal updates that maintenance at other airports will be done this summer. There are obviously concerns and uncertainties going on within the industry right now, but we will try to keep up with the latest news so that unwanted problems for our clients are avoided, or at least minimised.”
Georges said the closures are due to take place during low season, meaning the impact on inbound travel should not be overly significant. However, they will leave operators out of pocket.
He said: “If it happens, we will have to reorganise several trips and as usual it will be at our own cost. It (the overall impact) will depend on how fast the airlines react in reorganising their schedules.”
Update: The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has announced that it said it will not approve a proposal for the maintenance of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, according toThanh Nien News.
