Accordingly, on flight MF841 of Xiamen Air from Xiamen (China) to Ho Chi Minh City, there was a "special passenger" who was a statue called Thien Thuong Thanh Mau (Ma To) by social network users. This statue had a flight ticket with seat number 11A.

The situation immediately attracted attention on social media. Many people wondered whether the statue was allowed to be transported in the passenger compartment.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Mr. Bui Minh Dang, Head of the Air Transport Department, Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam confirmed the above incident. Flight MF841 took place from March 10.

Mr. Dang said that the statue of Ma To is named Lam Mac with ID number: 350321096003237001, has its own passport. This statue has been transported to many places around the world.

“Chinese airlines have the same procedures for transporting this statue as they do for passengers. This is a spiritual issue related to the culture of the Fujian people,” Mr. Dang added.

Xiamen Air has offered free business or economy class tickets to the Ma Zu statue on flights, and provided special services including: separate check-in counters and premium waiting areas; priority security check (green door); coordination with customs for manual inspection; priority when the statue boards the plane and guidance throughout the journey; ensuring a "no-wait" customs clearance process.

The Head of the Air Transport Department said that according to regulations, Vietnam does not regulate the issues of foreign carriers, as long as the transportation ensures security, safety and does not cause offense.

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"Special passenger" on flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Screenshot

Speaking more about the regulations for transporting by plane, aviation expert Pham Ngoc Sau, former Director of Van Don airport, said that transporting a ticketed statue in the passenger cabin is a special case.

“This can be accepted on condition of strict compliance with flight safety regulations and policies of each airline.

Accordingly, it must meet basic regulations such as: The statue must be able to sit on a passenger seat, or be securely secured with a belt, without affecting other passengers.

The statue must not obstruct walkways, emergency exits or safety equipment (oxygen masks, folding tables, etc.). The statue must have no sharp edges, be non-fragile and contain no prohibited substances or hazardous chemicals.

Tickets for statues are called "Extra Seat" (EXST) - additional seats. When booking tickets, passengers need to clearly state the purpose," said Mr. Sau.

Answering the question, "If I can buy a ticket like a human, do I need a visa?", Mr. Sau said that this case is considered as buying an extra seat, similar to the way an overweight passenger can buy 2 seats; or if the seat next to it is empty, the passenger can buy an "Extra Seat" ticket. All airlines apply this policy.