These updated mandates took effect on July 1 under Circular 48, issued by the Ministry of Transport to implement Decree 208/2026.
Passengers whose flights are delayed by at least four hours or canceled due to the airline's fault are entitled to a full refund, or a refund for any unused portion of the ticket, if they decline alternative flight options.
The countdown for refunds begins as soon as a passenger submits a valid request. Airlines are required to complete these refunds within 14 days for vouchers, 21 days for cash or bank transfers, and 45 days for credit card payments.
Passengers wait to board their flights at Terminal 3 of Tan Son Nhat International Airport on the afternoon of Feb. 11, 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen
For tickets purchased through travel agents, the timeline shifts slightly. The airline must refund the agent within 30 days, and the agent then has 25 days to return the money to the passenger.
