Passengers wait at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in HCM City. — Photo dantri.com.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Construction has proposed raising advance compensation for passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations by 25 per cent and adding vouchers and airline loyalty points as accepted forms of payment.

The draft circular on air transport, now open for comments, keeps existing compensation methods, including cash, bank transfer, free tickets and reimbursement documents, but adds payment vouchers and frequent‑flyer points, the ministry said.

Refund deadlines would vary by payment method under the draft: vouchers within seven days; cash or bank transfers within 21 days; credit card refunds within 45 days; and refunds processed via travel agencies within 60 days.

The proposal increases advance compensation for delayed or cancelled flights by about 25 per cent. Under the draft, domestic payments per passenger would rise to VNĐ250,000 (nearly US$9.5) for flights under 500km (from VNĐ200,000); VNĐ375,000 for 500-999km; and VNĐ500,000 for 1,000km and above.

International levels would increase to $30 for flights under 1,000km (from $25); $60 for 1,000-2,499km; $100 for 2,500-4,999km; and $180 for 5,000km and above.

The ministry said the rise is based on a 25 per cent increase in the US dollar inflation index between 2015 and 2025, citing US Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

The draft also proposes extending the time airlines have to complete compensation to 30 working days from the date of delay or cancellation, up from 14 days under current rules.

The measures follow parliamentary debate on revisions to Việt Nam’s Civil Aviation Law in November 2025, when lawmakers pressed carriers over responsibility for delays, cancellations and denied boarding.

Minister of Construction Trần Hồng Minh said regulators and airlines do not want delays or cancellations to occur, but that clearer law is needed as airports expand to prevent such incidents. — VNS