Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan inspects the situation of mass flight delays at Tan Son Nhat.

On the afternoon of February 3, Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan conducted a surprise inspection and worked with the Southern Airports Authority, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and the Immigration Department on passenger service during the Tet holiday.

Walking along the domestic terminal, from lobby A (Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines) to lobby B (Vietjet), the Deputy Minister assessed that the check-in area at noon was airy and convenient for passengers to move around.

Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan requested airport leaders to strengthen aviation security and safety. In the condition that the airport is overloaded and the number of passengers is large, ensuring aviation security and safety must be given top priority.

Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan requested that units closely coordinate in serving passengers, especially overseas Vietnamese returning home for Tet. (Photo: Thu Tran)

In addition to increasing the number of staff by 100% in all departments, it is necessary to upgrade the equipment and motorbike systems to ensure convenient passenger service without any delays at any stage.

The Deputy Minister requested Tan Son Nhat Airport to coordinate with airlines and ground units to maximize its force depending on peak hours and expected flight schedules.

At the international terminal, a representative of the Immigration Department said that in recent days, the number of overseas Vietnamese returning to the country has increased, but the organization and immigration procedures have been carried out smoothly, not making passengers wait long after long flights from international to Vietnam.

A representative of the Immigration Department also confirmed that the rate of international passengers being delayed at Tan Son Nhat is not high.

Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan at the inspection of Tan Son Nhat airport on the afternoon of February 3. (Photo: Thu Tran)

Recognizing that the international terminal of the airport plays an important role in tourism development, Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan requested units to make efforts to overcome limitations, making international passengers feel comfortable and friendly when entering Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan worked with the delegation of leaders of the Southern Airports Authority and Tan Son Nhat International Airport at the domestic terminal. (Photo: The Trung)

In recent days, fog in the northern provinces has caused many flights to not take off or land on time, which has had a chain reaction affecting Tan Son Nhat airport.

According to aviation statistics, about 100 flights were affected by this fog. Many passengers at Tan Son Nhat bought tickets in the morning but could not fly until noon. This was an unavoidable weather situation, but it affected passenger service.

Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan requested that the Southern Airports Authority and Tan Son Nhat International Airport coordinate to effectively communicate this issue.

Airlines must be more proactive in informing passengers to avoid the situation of passengers waiting too long at the airport, causing frustration.

The Deputy Minister also said that aviation businesses must coordinate more closely in operations and exploitation. When flight delays occur, airports and airlines must find solutions to relieve passengers.

In case of bad weather like the past few days, it is necessary to make it public, explain more clearly so that customers understand, and even send an apology to passengers.

Apologies are here to help customers understand the reason. When customers understand the reason, they will no longer worry or feel frustrated when their flight is delayed for a long time.

Inside the terminal area, many people waited for too long because most of the flights to the Central region that morning were delayed. (Photo: Minh Quang)

According to the leader of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, by the afternoon of February 3, the flight delays had been somewhat resolved as the weather in some northern provinces improved.

According to statistics, on February 3, Tan Son Nhat had 900 flights, mostly flights to and from the provinces. Outbound passengers accounted for the majority with nearly 87,000, of which 62,000 were domestic flights. During peak hours from 6-8am and 5-8pm, the airport welcomed 3,500-4,100 passengers.

The sudden increase in passenger volume and the overload of terminal infrastructure during the Lunar New Year 2024 were predicted by the aviation industry a month in advance. However, the weather has negatively affected flight operations in recent days.

According to the update from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, flights from Ho Chi Minh City to other localities have a very high booking rate, spread from February 2 to February 9 (ie the 23rd - 30th of Lunar New Year). Some routes have a 99% occupancy rate such as Ho Chi Minh City - Hue/Pleiku/Vinh.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam also informed that in the past two days, at airports in the Northern region, fog, low clouds, and visibility below flight operating standards have negatively affected flight operations. A series of flights have had to divert or be delayed.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/thu-truong-le-anh-tuan-kiem-tra-cong-tac-phuc-vu-o-san-bay-tan-son-nhat-192240203180253484.htm