Vietnam Airlines said in a statement on Thursday that it has begun changing its flight routes to avoid airspace near the Taiwan Strait while China conducts military drills.
“Since August 4, in order to ensure operation and flight safety, Vietnam Airlines will adjust flight routes between Vietnam and north-east Asia, including: Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, between Vietnam and the US to avoid flying over some areas near the island of Taiwan,” dpa news agency quoted the statement as saying.
It is expected that at least 36 Vietnam Airlines flight routes will be affected.
Following US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, China is currently conducting live-fire military drills in six coastal areas around Taiwan.
Vietnam’s Aviation Authority asked Vietnam Airlines on Wednesday to avoid flying near Taiwan while China conducts military exercises.
Chinese authorities issued an official notice requesting that Asian airlines avoid flying near Taiwan.
