HCMC – Vietnam will require airlines to provide full or partial ticket refunds to passengers whose flights are delayed by four hours or more due to carrier-related reasons, under new aviation regulations that take effect on July 1.
The rules, set out in Decree 208/2026 issued by the Government on June 15, define a delayed flight as one departing more than 15 minutes later than scheduled. A delay of four hours or more is classified as a prolonged delay.
Under the decree, airlines must notify passengers of delays, explain reasons and provide updated departure information at least every 30 minutes through airport display systems.
Carriers must provide drinking water or vouchers of equivalent value when delays reach two hours and offer meals or equivalent vouchers when delays extend to three hours.
For delays of four hours or more caused by the airline, passengers who decline rebooking or rerouting options will be entitled to a refund of the full ticket price or the unused portion of their ticket.
Airlines must also make a one-time, non-refundable advance compensation payment to passengers holding confirmed reservations and valid tickets.
The Government said detailed regulations on compensation levels, payment methods and timelines would be issued by the Ministry of Construction.
For delays of six hours or more, airlines must provide suitable rest facilities at airports during daytime hours. For overnight delays between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., carriers must arrange accommodation or offer alternative solutions acceptable to passengers. These provisions do not apply to passengers who have already accepted refunds.
The decree also requires airlines to refund tickets or arrange alternative flights if schedules are changed by five hours or more between the time tickets are sold and flight schedules are formally published.
In cases where passengers have already boarded and aircraft doors have been closed, airlines must provide drinking water, adequate ventilation, temperature control and access to restroom facilities if departure is delayed by at least 30 minutes. If delays exceed three hours and no departure time has been determined, passengers must be allowed to disembark.
