A Vietnam Airlines plane landed at Van Don airport, northern Vietnam, September 20, bringing home more than 340 Vietnamese citizens left stranded in the US due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnamese citizens pose for a photo before their depature

The repatriation flight was arranged by relevant Vietnamese and US agencies, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Passengers on board the plane came from different states, and they were mainly minors under 18, the elderly, sick people, holiday-makers, students without accommodations due to the closure of schools, and other special cases. 

Vietnamese missions in the US provided necessary support for the citizens, many of whom came from very far states and were in need of special assistance. The Vietnamese Consulate General in Houston sent officers to assist the citizens with necessary check-in procedures before their departure. 

Vietnam Airlines strictly implemented security, safety and epidemiological measures during the flight to prevent the possible spread of the virus. 

Upon landing at Van Don airport in Quang Ninh province, all crew members and passengers underwent medical check-ups and were transferred to quarantine facilities in accordance with regulations.

More repatriations flights are set to be conducted to bring home Vietnamese citizens with disadvantaged circumstances based on their need and the nation’s quarantine capacity.