Disinfecting a Vietnam Airlines aircraft. — Photo baodautu.vn

Vietnam Airlines is cutting flights between Viet Nam and Europe starting from March 25 amid the complex development of the COVID-19 pandemic, the carrier announced on Thursday.

This is one of the latest efforts by Vietnam Airlines to contribute to the containment of COVID-19 while maintaining its role as an aviation bridge connecting Viet Nam and Europe.

According to the airline, it will temporarily reduce a total of 14 flights per week on routes that connect Viet Nam and Europe. The routes include those between Ha Noi /HCM City and London/Paris/Frankfurt.

Vietnam Airlines is currently the only domestic carrier operating direct flights with Europe. These routes play a significant role in terms of economics, politics and diplomacy.

The airline said it will resume flights to Europe once the pandemic is contained.

Currently, Vietnam Airlines is taking pre-boarding body temperature checks for every passenger departing from Europe and providing them with face masks to use during the flight. The aircraft utilised for all international flights to Viet Nam and those on which passengers have recorded abnormal health symptoms will be disinfected.

During flights, passengers are being advised to sit in one place and restrict unnecessary communication and movement throughout the cabin.

Regarding domestic routes, the carrier is also cleaning aircraft and frequently touched surfaces, headphones and other ground service equipment. — VNS