HCMC – Two local carriers, Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines, had to divert many flights which were originally scheduled to depart from/arrive at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi on January 21, due to bad weather conditions, including smog.

Specifically, two flights, VN248 and VN7246 set to leave HCMC for Hanoi, were diverted to Cat Bi airport in Haiphong City nearby, while two other flights, VN7206 and VN210 on the same route, were redirected to Danang airport in Central Vietnam. Besides, three flights—VN1602, VN1612 and VN8714—departing from Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku and Vinh airports were rerouted to Tho Xuan, Danang and Cat Bi airports, respectively. Many other domestic flights operated by the two carriers were also impacted and had to be rescheduled or circle to wait for permission to land. To ensure aviation safety amid inclement weather, the cabin crew members have strictly complied with flight safety procedures and decided to divert the flights, representatives of the two airlines said. The carriers have apologized to and asked for sympathy from the passengers for the unexpected flight changes.