Amid growing complaints from passengers stuck for hours on domestic flights at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has launched an urgent inspection into the situation.

Among the airlines facing the most backlash is low-cost carrier Vietjet Air, with multiple passengers reporting flights delayed up to three or four times, or even canceled outright without prior notice. Attempts to contact customer service hotlines were reportedly unanswered.

One Facebook user, Do Nghia, posted: “I was taking my 77-year-old grandmother from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue. The flight was scheduled to depart at 8:30 AM on April 21, but she was boarded and deplaned twice, then had to wait until 2 AM on April 22.”

“Now it’s nearly 4 AM, and I’m taking a taxi from District 7 to Tan Son Nhat to bring her home after Vietjet canceled the flight,” the post continued.

According to widespread reports on social media and online forums, the flight delays and cancellations affected nearly all major domestic carriers on April 21, including Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways. For example, flights VN118 and VN220 from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong and Hanoi were delayed 1-2 hours from their original departure times.

Speaking to VietNamNet, a representative from one airline cited several contributing factors to the delays:

Increased travel demand in the lead-up to Vietnam’s Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1) holidays.

Ongoing transition of domestic terminal operations from T1 to T3 at Tan Son Nhat.

Thunderstorms at Noi Bai Airport on April 21 that affected outbound flights to other provinces, including those to Ho Chi Minh City.

Temporary disruptions at Tan Son Nhat Airport to accommodate rehearsals and preparations for the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification.

“From 8:00 to 9:30 AM on April 22, further flight adjustments are expected. These changes may cause a ripple effect, resulting in additional delays and schedule disruptions,” a representative said.

In response to the widespread disruption, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam this morning ordered the formation of an inspection team to assess ground handling operations at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The inspection will be conducted over the course of five days, starting April 22.

N. Huyen