Vietnam: Flights impacted due to severe air pollution in Dien Bien Province as of April 11

Event

Air pollution is affecting portions of Dien Bien Province as of April 11. Due to poor visibility, Bamboo Airways (QH) has suspended all flights at Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN) until conditions improve. The airline has indicated that officials from the Vietnamese National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting have warned that photochemical smog and smoke from crop burning in Laos could impact northwestern Vietnam through April 17, reducing visibility and impacting travel.

Additional flight disruptions are possible at other airports in the vicinity. Flight delays are especially likely overnight and during early mornings when relative humidity is high. Officials may also close sections of roadways and require trains to travel at slower speeds in some areas until air quality improves.

Advice

Observe local air quality index reports. Plan for possible business and transport disruptions. Confirm all transport reservations, especially flights at DIN. Drive cautiously, and allow extra time to reach destinations due to low visibility and road congestion. People with certain underlying high-risk conditions - such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or heart and lung disease - could have adverse reactions to poor air conditions in affected areas. Individuals with such conditions should have adequate medication on hand and consult with a physician. Concerned individuals should limit the amount of time spent outdoors during periods of poor air quality. Revisit contingency plans, including telecommuting options, in the event of significant air pollution.