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Due to the complex impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, Vietnamese airlines had to proactively adjust their flight schedules to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and crew. With maximum wind speeds reaching level 17, and gusts exceeding level 17, Super Typhoon No. 9 caused serious impacts on aviation operations across a wide area, from international routes to several key domestic airports.
In response to the complex developments of Super Typhoon Ragasa (Typhoon No. 9), Vietnam Airlines quickly implemented countermeasures. The airline adjusted the flight paths of flights between Vietnam and Northeast Asia to avoid the typhoon's affected area, ensuring safe journeys. Specifically, on September 23rd and 24th, the airline decided to cancel several flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Hong Kong and Guangzhou (China). In addition, many other flights to and from Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) on September 24th also had their departure and arrival times adjusted to earlier times to avoid the typhoon's landfall.
The international airports of Noi Bai, Van Don, Cat Bi, Tho Xuan, Vinh, and Dong Hoi are located in the area affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa (Typhoon No. 9).
Similarly, Vietjet Airlines also had to temporarily suspend many flights on September 23rd to ensure safety. The airline canceled flights VJ876/VJ877 on the Ho Chi Minh City - Hong Kong route and VJ8892/VJ8893 on the Da Nang - Macau route, along with many other international routes. Both airlines affirmed that ensuring passenger safety is always the top priority and advised passengers to proactively check flight information before going to the airport to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
The Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority has issued a directive to all units in the industry, requesting them to focus on implementing measures to respond to Super Typhoon Ragasa in order to ensure the safety of flight operations, people, and property at airports.
Super Typhoon Ragasa not only affected international flights but also caused serious ripple effects on domestic air travel. Six major airports in Vietnam, including Noi Bai (Hanoi), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Vinh (Nghe An), and Dong Hoi (Quang Tri), were all predicted to be in the direct impact zone of the typhoon.
In response to this situation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam issued an urgent directive, requiring airlines and relevant units to closely monitor the storm's developments and promptly adjust flight plans. At the same time, the Authority also directed increased inspections of infrastructure at airports and terminals to ensure absolute safety for people and property.
Accordingly, the six airports predicted to be affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa are Noi Bai (Hanoi), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Vinh (Nghe An), and Dong Hoi (Quang Tri).
The Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) also assessed that Super Typhoon Ragasa could seriously impact air traffic control operations, especially in critical air traffic control sectors. VATM held an emergency meeting and developed several response scenarios, including adjusting air traffic flow and deploying personnel on duty 24/7 to promptly handle emergencies and ensure flight safety.
Given the unpredictable nature of the super typhoon, the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority has issued several important recommendations for passengers. Throughout the flight, passengers should fasten their seatbelts, especially when the aircraft encounters turbulence. This proactive action, even when the seatbelt signs are off, will help minimize the risk of injury when the aircraft travels through complex weather conditions.
In addition, the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting has also issued warnings about the impact of the storm on coastal and inland areas. The coastal areas of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong provinces are at risk of storm surges of 0.5-1m, causing erosion of dikes and seawalls, and destroying aquaculture farms and anchored boats.
From early morning on September 25th, coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa are expected to experience strong winds of force 6-7, later increasing to force 8-10, with gusts up to force 12, while inland areas in the Northeast will also experience strong winds of force 6-7, with gusts up to force 8-9. Authorities, including the Ministry of Construction, have issued an urgent directive, requiring units and localities to focus on implementing comprehensive storm prevention measures to ensure the safety of people and infrastructure.
