The repatriation flight was jointly arranged by Vietnamese authorities, Viet Nam’s overseas representative agencies in the U.S., national flag carrier Viet Nam Airlines, and relevant U.S. agencies.

The passengers onboard came from many U.S. states, mostly children aged under 18, the elderly, those in poor health conditions, workers with expired visas and labor contracts, stranded travellers, students with no accommodations due to hostel closure, and other especially difficult cases.

Viet Nam’s representative agencies in the U.S. provided active support for the citizens, many of whom had to move from places far from the airport, and some needed special assistance.

The Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco sent staff to the airport to help the citizens complete the needed procedures, making the boarding process fast and safe.

Throughout the flight, Viet Nam Airlines strictly complied with regulations on pandemic prevention and control, and implemented measures on security, safety, hygiene and epidemiology.

Immediately upon their landing at Quang Ninh’s Van Don International Airport, all crew members and passengers were given health check and quarantined as regulated.

Under the Prime Minister’s direction, domestic authorities and Viet Nam’s overseas representative offices will arrange more flights to take Vietnamese citizens home, depending on the citizens’ needs and the country’s quarantine capacity.

Since April 10, Viet Nam has organized 68 rescue flights, bringing home about 16,863 Vietnamese citizens stranded abroad due to Covid-19./.