Returning Vietnamese citizens on the flight departing from Sydney, Australia. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Minh

HÀ NỘI — Nearly 350 Vietnamese nationals who had been stranded in Australia and New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic were flown home safely late on Wednesday night.

The flight was arranged by Vietnamese authorities, Vietnamese representative offices in Australia and New Zealand, and the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.

The Vietnamese representative offices sent their staff to the airport to help the citizens with pre-departure procedures.

Security, safety and hygiene measures were rigorously upheld during the flight to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Upon arrival at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in HCM City, all the crew members and passengers were given medical check-ups and put under quarantine.

More repatriation flights will be arranged to bring Vietnamese citizens home, depending on their demand and domestic quarantine capacity. — VNS