Vietnam Storm Recovery, Weekend Delays After Closures

Published on Nov 9, 2025, 10:17 am CSTUpdated on Nov 9, 2025, 10:23 am CST

4 min read

Key points

Six central Vietnam airports paused operations in defined windows on November 6-7
Vietnam Airlines canceled or retimed 50 plus flights, with follow on delays as aircraft reposition
North-South rail suffered washouts, with temporary train suspensions and coach transfers
Travelers to Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Da Lat, Tuy Hoa, and Chu Lai should expect weekend knock ons
Use airline rebooking channels early and consider surface options while rail recovers

Impact

Expect Rolling Delays: Aircraft and crews are out of position through the weekend, so schedules may slip even where airports are open
Protect Connections: Choose longer layovers, move to earlier departures, and avoid last flights of the day where possible
Use Official Channels: Rebook through airline apps and hotlines, monitor notifications, and confirm gate and time changes
Know Airport Windows: Phu Cat, Chu Lai, Tuy Hoa, Pleiku, Buon Ma Thuot, and Lien Khuong had fixed closures on Nov 6-7 which still ripple
Plan Surface Backups: North-South railway has suspensions and bus bridges near the damage zones, so build time if you must go overland

Six airports across central Vietnam paused operations in defined windows on November 6 and November 7 as Typhoon Kalmaegi crossed the coast, and airlines are now unwinding aircraft rotations. Travelers headed to Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Da Lat, Tuy Hoa, Chu Lai, and nearby gateways should expect rolling delays, occasional diversions, and reaccommodation through the weekend as crews and jets reposition and airport inspections complete. North-South rail disruptions are adding friction for surface backups in the same corridor.

Central Vietnam, exact closure windows

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam ordered temporary suspensions aligned to the storm's passage. Reported windows included Phu Cat serving Quy Nhon from 400 p.m. on November 6 to 300 a.m. on November 7, Chu Lai from 800 p.m. on November 6 to 500 a.m. on November 7, Tuy Hoa from 300 p.m. on November 6 to midnight, Pleiku from 900 p.m. on November 6 to 600 a.m. on November 7, and Buon Ma Thuot from 1000 p.m. on November 6 to 600 a.m. on November 7, with Lien Khuong restricting arrivals from 700 p.m. on November 6 to midnight. Da Nang and Phu Bai warned of potential knock ons, even where full closures were not universal.

Latest developments

Vietnam Airlines canceled and retimed more than 50 flights across November 6 and November 7, advancing some departures ahead of the weather windows and pushing others until after airfields reopened, which created follow on delays as aircraft returned to normal rotations. Vietjet published targeted adjustments for Da Lat, Tuy Hoa, Quy Nhon, and Chu Lai, and urged customers to track app and SMS updates for reaccommodation. Expect residual delays and scattered swaps through the weekend as equipment and crews come back into sequence.

Analysis

What matters now is the timing mismatch between when airports reopened and when airlines can practically restore their line of flight. Even short closures force aircraft to wait out curfews or weather windows somewhere else, then deadhead or swap tails to cover missed sectors. That ripple persists for several banks until aircraft and crews realign. If you are booked to or from Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Da Lat, Tuy Hoa, or Chu Lai through Monday, move to earlier departures where you can, choose longer connections, and avoid last flights of the day. Use airline digital channels first, then airport counters only if you need document checks.

Background

Kalmaegi came ashore across central provinces late on November 6, prompting airport suspensions, widespread flight retimes, and civil protection measures, which were coordinated in advance by the aviation regulator. Those proactive pauses helped limit exposure to peak winds and rain bands. The same storm also damaged the North-South railway, which is why some overland detours are slower than usual this weekend.

Surface options while rail and coach adjust

Vietnam Railways suspended multiple services and introduced coach transfers around damaged track segments, including sections between Tuy Hoa and Diêu Trì. Operators indicated temporary suspensions through at least November 10, with about 1,500 passengers rerouted by road while repairs proceed. If you need to bridge the gap, confirm whether your specific train is operating, ask about the arranged buses, and add buffer time for traffic and weather on central highways.

Final thoughts

Vietnam storm recovery is moving quickly, but rotation imbalances and rail damage mean weekend travelers should plan for delays and build in time. Check your airline app often, confirm rail status before you leave for the station, and keep a coach option in your back pocket until Monday's banks stabilize.