Vietnam Airlines has officially reopened regular commercial flights between Vietnam and China from December 9 after a long period of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Flight VN502 departed Ho Chi Minh City for Guangzhou at 9.55am on December 9, marking the carrier’s first regular commercial flight between the two countries after three years of disruption.

As China has been loosening its Covid-19 prevention and control measures, Vietnam Airlines has resumed the operation of several routes to meet demand.

In the first phase, the national flag carrier will resume the Ho Chi Minh City - Guangzhou route from December 9, with one flight every Friday, the Hanoi - Shanghai route from December 12, with two flights a week on Mondays and Fridays, and the Ho Chi Minh City - Shanghai route from December 14, with one flight every Wednesday.

Regarding immigration procedures, Vietnam Airlines recommends that passengers consult regulations officially announced by the Chinese Embassy to ensure the necessary documents are secured and procedures followed, including a PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.

Prior to departure, passengers are required to submit a health declaration to obtain a health code. They must wear N95 masks when entering China and follow its isolation regulations.