HCMC – Tourism companies in HCMC have activated emergency response procedures and round-the-clock coordination systems to support travelers affected by flight disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
Travel firms took action immediately after receiving notifications from airlines and transport partners about operational changes affecting international routes. Companies reviewed affected tour groups and implemented contingency plans to ensure traveler safety and protect customer interests.
Vietravel reported that it is currently serving three tour groups in Dubai with a total of 51 travelers and one group in Egypt with 24 travelers. Due to airspace restrictions and flight adjustments, these groups remain at hotels under safety arrangements while waiting for updates from airlines.
Tran Doan The Duy, general director of Vietravel, noted that the company arranged accommodations, meals, and essential services for affected customers. Tour guides, operations teams, and travelers are maintaining regular contact to provide updates. The company plans to resume itineraries only when safety conditions are confirmed.
Most travel companies in HCMC have also activated round-the-clock monitoring systems and are working closely with airlines and international partners to adjust itineraries or implement alternative arrangements based on actual conditions.
For departures scheduled in March 2026 involving Emirates and Qatar Airways, companies have contacted customers to offer route adjustments, alternative travel plans, or options to retain booking value under current policies.
Tourism companies reported rising demand among Vietnamese travelers for destinations in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt. Popular itineraries include tours to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, along with combined regional travel programs.
Pham Anh Vu, deputy general director of Viet Media Travel, stated that the Middle East has been one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets in recent years. Companies are prepared to reschedule tours or redesign itineraries if requested.
Travel firms are also coordinating with airlines and overseas partners to minimize additional costs and support flexible policies such as ticket changes or retaining ticket value instead of cancellations.
Tourism companies described the Middle East as a strategic market and a major transit hub connecting Europe, Africa, and South Asia. They noted that current geopolitical developments are disrupting flight schedules and increasing operating costs in the short term.
Companies are reviewing route plans, diversifying transit options, and preparing contingency scenarios to maintain operations and reduce risks linked to reliance on a single transit hub.
Flight disruptions have already affected services between Vietnam and the Middle East. Qatar Airways canceled passenger flight QR977 from Hanoi to Doha on March 1, which had 361 passengers, and cargo flights on the same route remain pending updates. Emirates canceled flight EK395 from Hanoi to Dubai on March 2. Etihad Airways canceled flight EY431 from Hanoi to Abu Dhabi on March 1 with 276 passengers. Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Hanoi continued operating normally.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is monitoring developments and providing updates on airline operations affected by the conflict.
Nguyen Son Thuy, director of Indochina Unique Tourist Company, said that disruptions to Middle East routes are also affecting inbound tourism to Vietnam, as many services had already been booked and paid for. He called for flexible policies from domestic partners to waive cancellation fees in force majeure cases.
