Vietnamese citizens in Houston, US before the repatriation flight on August 5 and 6. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese authorities and representative offices in the US and Japan, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet coordinated with relevant agencies of the two countries to conduct two flight bringing home nearly 350 Vietnamese citizens from US and 220 from Japan on August 5 and 6.

The Vietnamese General Consulate in Houston, US, sent their staff to help people complete all procedures before boarding the Vietnam Airlines flight.

This is the first direct flight between Hà Nội and Houston – the biggest city in Texas. The flight stopped once in Alaska to refuel when flying back from Houston to Hà Nội. It took over 39 hours for the two-way trip.

Strict security, safety and hygiene measures were enforced by the carrier Vietnam Airlines during the flight to protect the passengers’ health and prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Upon arrival at Nội Bài International Airport, all passengers and crew members were given health checks and quarantined.

Meanwhile, over 220 Vietnamese citizens in Japan were brought home on Wednesday on a VietJet flight. Upon arrival at Cam Ranh International Airport, all passengers and crew members were given health checks and quarantined.

Vietnamese authorities and overseas missions plan to arrange more flights to fly more Vietnamese citizens home, depending on their need and quarantine capacity at home. — VNS