The requirement is part of Decree 208/2026 on air transport, issued June 15, setting out how airlines must treat passengers when flights are delayed, cancelled or rescheduled.
The decree is the first set of implementing rules for Vietnam's new Civil Aviation Law, passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and also taking effect July 1. The law replaces legislation dating to 2006.
Under the decree, a flight is considered delayed once its actual departure slips more than 15 minutes behind schedule. A delay of four hours or more is classed as an extended delay.
The obligations on airlines escalate with the length of the wait.
Once a delay reaches two hours, the airline must offer drinking water or a voucher of equal value. It must also rebook or reroute passengers who ask to be moved so they can still reach their destination.
