Groups of Vietnamese nationals residing in Europe have moved to return to their native country in order to withstand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which is spreading swiftly across Europe.

Three Vietnam Airlines’ flights carrying a total of 159 passengers, mostly Vietnamese citizens from Europe landed at Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh province on March 16.

The flights include VN54 which arrived from London in the UK with 97 passengers onboard, VN18 from Paris in France that had 43 passengers on board, and VN36 which landed from Frankfurt in Germany with 19 passengers onboard.

Upon their arrival, all crew members, passengers, and their luggage had to undergo a medical examination and be disinfected before being put into isolation at military schools in Quang Ninh and its nearby neighbour Bac Ninh province in compliance with regulations put in place by the health sector. 

Pham Ngoc Sau, General Director of Van Don International Airport, said each of the flights arriving from epidemic areas are to be instructed to park at special locations in an effort to avoid affecting the general operations of the airport.

According to Sau, to ensure the country’s safety and prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus, all crew members and ground staff are equipped with protective medical clothing.

In addition, each of their respective health conditions experience a strict examination before they are granted permission to board the planes, whilst no in-flight meals and entertainment services are provided. 

The move to bring home Vietnamese citizens from epidemic-hit countries reflects the humanity of both the Party and the State with further flights returning citizens to the nation expected to be conducted in the near future amid the increasing scale of the COVID-19 pandemic.