A number of flights were unable to land at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on January 21 as a result of a thick blanket of fog engulfing much of the capital, forcing flights to land at other domestic airports in order to ensure safety for both passengers and crew members.

Thick fog cover Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi on January 21. (Photo: Zingnews.vn)

Due to poor visibility, both Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines were forced to divert flights from Hanoi to Hai Phong and Da Nang.

Four Vietnam Airlines’ flights on the Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi route landed at Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong City and at Da Nang Airport. 

Furthermore, three other flights departing from Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku, and Vinh were unable to reach Hanoi due to the conditions, forcing them to land in Thanh Hoa, Hai Phong, and Da Nang.

Many domestic flights were also delayed as a result of the poor conditions around Noi Bai Airport.

The fog engulfing the capital has been caused by high humidity and is expected to last for a few more days before a fresh cold spell hits the northern region from January 28.