Vietnam sets new rules covering flight delays, refunds for delays exceeding 4 hours

Vietnam issued new rules for airlines which would give full refunds for flight delays, cancellations, and rescheduling starting July 1.

The requirement is part of Decree 208/2026 on air transport issued on June 15. It is the first set of implementing rules for Vietnam’s new Civil Aviation Law that was passed by Vietnam’s National Assembly in December 2025. It replaces legislation from 2006.

Under the decree, a flight is delayed once its actual departure exceeds 15 minutes behind schedule. Delays longer than 4 hours is considered an extended delay. Passengers must be notified of the delay, apologize, and explain the reasons for the delay. The airline is also required to provide updated departure times to airport operators and passenger terminal service providers so information can be displayed on flight information screens at intervals not exceeding 30 minutes.

Once a delay reaches two hours, drinking water or a voucher of equal value must be provided by the airline. The airline is also required to rebook or reroute passengers who ask to be moved. A meal or equivalent voucher will be provided once a flight delay reaches three hours.

A full fare refund or the value of the unused portion must be given by the airline if a flight delay exceeds 4 hours and meets two conditions. The first condition is the delay is the airline’s fault and second if the passenger refuses a rebooking or rerouting. Airlines must also pay non-refundable advance compensation to anyone holding a confirmed seat and a valid ticket, a payment made once per flight. Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction – which oversees aviation operation in Vietnam – will set the compensation amounts and how and when they are paid.

Delays longer than six hours will lead to an accommodation requirement. Between 7AM and 10PM, airlines must provide a suitable rest area at the airport. Overnight lodging locally, or an alternative agreed upon by the passenger will be provided for delays between 10PM to 7AM.

For flight schedule changes, if an airline moves the departure more than five hours before between the time tickets go on sale and the schedule’s publication, it must notify passengers and either refund them or move them to another flight within 72 hours.

Additional requirements also cover situations when passengers have already boarded the aircraft. If the plane doors are closed but its departure is held up by more than 30 minutes, water shall be provided along with proper ventilation, cabin temperature, and restroom access. Emergency medical help will also be provided to passengers if needed. Once the delay exceeds three hours with no confirmed departure time, the airline must let passengers deplane.