Super Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia this year, has left hundreds of Vietnamese tourists stranded in China, disrupting flights and causing significant travel challenges. The typhoon’s impact has forced airports in northern Vietnam and China to close or impose severe restrictions, leading to flight cancellations and reschedulings.
As a result, Vietnamese travelers currently in Hainan and Guizhou, China, are facing difficulties returning to Hanoi. Several major airports in northern Vietnam, including Van Don, Cat Bi, Noi Bai, and Tho Xuan, suspended operations from 10 AM to 9 PM on September 7th due to the storm. Airports in affected regions of China have also ceased operations, further compounding the travel disruption.
Nhue Thi Ngan, General Director of Hanoi Tourism JSC, reported that while tours to Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea scheduled to return between September 3rd and 5th were completed successfully, some groups have faced cancellations and rescheduled flights. A group returning from Hainan on September 5th had to cancel their trip, while another group’s flight on September 7th was moved to September 8th. Additionally, a group traveling to Thailand on September 7th also postponed their departure to September 8th.
Despite the setbacks, Ngan noted that their partners in China are providing accommodations and meals at no extra cost for stranded travelers. Some groups, like those in Hainan, have opted to cover additional costs, such as extra meals. Negotiations with partners have been smooth, given the understanding of the typhoon’s impact. However, certain groups traveling to South Korea and Japan on the night of September 7th and early September 8th are still awaiting updates from airlines regarding potential schedule changes.
Nguyen Thi Thu, Director of Alibaba Vietnam Travel Company, reported minimal disruption so far. A tour to Zhangjiajie scheduled for the afternoon of September 6th proceeded as planned. However, a flight to Hainan set for the evening of September 7th has been postponed to 8:30 AM on September 8th. Thu is hopeful for improved weather conditions and readiness in Hainan for tourists post-storm. Tours to and from Yunnan are also set for September 8th, pending further airline updates. To date, Alibaba Vietnam Travel Company estimates that around 300 customers have been affected by the typhoon’s impact.
In response to the storm, major Vietnamese airlines have adjusted their schedules. Vietnam Airlines has canceled and rescheduled over 110 flights, including 34 cancellations and 78 schedule changes for both domestic and international routes. Vietjet has suspended 67 flights to and from Noi Bai Airport on September 7th, with similar cancellations affecting Cat Bi and Tho Xuan Airports. Bamboo Airways has also canceled 14 flights on September 7th.
The disruptions caused by Typhoon Yagi are ongoing, with efforts focused on managing the situation and ensuring the safety and comfort of affected travelers.
