Severe Storms Wreak Havoc: 1,380 Flights Canceled in the First 9 Months of 2025
Vietnam’s aviation industry is grappling with significant challenges due to extreme weather conditions. The latest statistics reveal that nearly 1,400 domestic flights were canceled in the first 9 months of 2025, with an on-time performance (OTP) rate of only 64.6% across the industry. Adverse weather, particularly relentless storms, has been identified as the primary cause of these disruptions.
Over 1,380 Flights Grounded Due to Storms
According to preliminary data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), from January to September 2025, the domestic aviation sector operated 210,341 flights. However, only 135,922 flights departed on time, resulting in an average OTP rate of 64.6%.
The cancellation rate for the first 9 months stood at 0.7%, equivalent to 1,380 flights removed from schedules. Extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong gusts, and flooding, were cited by airlines as the leading factors behind these delays. Decisions to cancel or adjust flights were made with the utmost priority on passenger safety.
Airlines’ Performance Snapshot
Weather and operational factors have created a stark contrast in on-time performance and cancellation rates among airlines during the first 9 months of 2025:
Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.
Only Bamboo Airways (82.1%) and VASCO (81.8%) maintained OTP rates above 80%.
Despite high OTP rates, Vietnam Airlines (0.8% – 698 flights) and VASCO/Vietravel Airlines (1.2%) recorded cancellation rates higher than the industry average. In contrast, Bamboo Airways had the lowest cancellation rate at just 0.2%.
Extreme Weather: An Ongoing Challenge
The final days of September and early October 2025 starkly illustrate the impact of weather. Storm systems brought prolonged heavy rain to many airports in the Northern and North-Central regions.
Adverse weather in the Northern region has impacted numerous flights since late September.
At Noi Bai International Airport, heavy rain, wind shear, and visibility dropping below 1 km forced multiple flights into holding patterns or diverted to alternate airports.
According to the Northern Airports Authority, on September 30 alone, 194 flights were delayed, and 34 were diverted due to severe weather, significantly disrupting thousands of passengers’ schedules.
Proactive Response from the Aviation Industry
In response, the CAAV immediately directed affected airports to maintain 24/7 operations, ensuring navigation and communication systems remain fully functional. The agency also mandated the use of high-resolution weather forecasting models to promptly detect and warn pilots about thunderstorms and strong winds.
Airlines have taken proactive measures, swiftly adjusting flight schedules and enhancing real-time communication with passengers via websites, mobile apps, SMS, and social media. This enables passengers to manage their schedules effectively when flights are affected.
Aviation experts note that while natural disasters may reduce on-time performance, Vietnam’s aviation industry’s commitment to safe and professional flight operations in harsh weather conditions underscores its dedication to passenger safety and stable service delivery.
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