Cleaning and disinfection: Vietnam Airlines disinfects all aircraft returning from operation in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, and Thailand. Since the nCoV outbreak began, all staff members have been equipped with medical face masks and gloves, training regarding nCoV prevention, reminders on correct handwashing techniques, and have been instructed on service procedures meant to ensure safety and hygiene standards as per the Ministry of Health.

Adjustments to in-flight services: To fully protect passengers’ health, from the 5th of February, Vietnam Airlines will adjust several in-flight services.

In regard to meals and drinks, for flights under 2 hours and 30 minutes, the carrier will temporarily suspend serving meals and will serve bottled mineral water and packaged snacks to passengers instead (if requested), to reduce contact with reusable items. For flights to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao, all unconsumed drinks which were given to passengers will be completely disposed of as a precaution.

Regarding other items, Vietnam Airlines will provide refreshing tissues instead of cotton towels on all flights; on flights under four hours, Vietnam Airlines will stop providing pillows and will only provide blankets for use in medical situations that require such use.

To hinder the survivability and development of nCoV, Vietnam Airlines will adjust the temperature in the cabin to 26 degrees Celsius throughout the flight (according to health experts, the nCoV weakens when temperatures are over 25 degrees Celsius).

Vietnam Airlines Changes Ground and In-flight Service Standards to Prevent nCoV. (Cre: Vietnam Airlines).

Changes in the Lotus Lounge’s services: Vietnam Airlines provides more disinfectant liquid for hand cleansing at the entrance, reception desks, and toilets; covers all food trays at the buffet area; supplies disposable knives, spoons, forks, paper cups, etc. Items that can’t be replaced with disposable ones will be cleaned, dried, and sterilized carefully before being reused. Other pieces of equipment at the Lounge will also be cleaned and disinfected once every hour.

Flight route policies: Vietnam Airlines has temporarily suspended flights connecting Vietnam and mainland China since the 1st of February, and refunded tickets and waived fees for itinerary changes for passengers flying between the two countries. From the 6th of February, the carrier will continue to halt the operation between Hanoi and Macao/ Hong Kong to ensure health status for employees and passengers.

Vietnam Airlines is monitoring the complex development of the nCoV to implement responding measures proactively.