Closure at Nội Bài Int'l Airport extended due to typhoon Yagi

Aircrafts at Nội Bài International Airport (Hà Nội) have been moved to safe locations and secured in anticipation of typhoon Yagi. — VNA/VNS Photo Việt Hùng

HÀ NỘI — The Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam has today decided to extend the closure time of Nội Bài International Airport by an additional two hours on the evening of September 7 (Saturday), due to concerns over downpours caused by the approaching typhoon Yagi.

Specifically, the airport in Hà Nội will temporarily suspend aircraft operations from 10am to 9pm on September 7, instead of from 10am to 7pm as previously decided.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam has requested domestic airlines to replenish fuel reserves for flights from 9pm on September 7 to 2am on September 8, in case of delays or the need to divert to alternative airports.

In the event that the storm dissipates earlier and the airport can operate, the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam will adjust the operation schedule accordingly. The authority has tasked the Việt Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation with the development of flight control plans at Nội Bài Airport after the storm, prioritising long-distance and international flights.

Due to the storm's impact, Vân Đồn, Cát Bi, and Thọ Xuân airports will also suspend operations during certain time frames on September 7. Rain and thunderstorms are forecasted to affect operations at Vinh, Điện Biên, and Đồng Hới airports.

Over 300 flights -- 240 domestic and 70 international ones -- will have to be cancelled due to the shutdowns.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 4pm today, the typhoon's centre was approximately 415km east of coast of the northern province Quảng Ninh. The maximum wind speeds near the storm's centre reached level 16 (184-201 km/h), with gusts exceeding level 17.

The storm is expected to pass over Hainan Island of China and enter the Gulf of Tonkin tonight.

Around noon tomorrow, the storm will make landfall between Quảng Ninh and Nam Định provinces in northern Việt Nam, with an intensity of levels 11-12 (103-117 km), and gusts of level 15. — VNS