Amid the increasing complicated situation, a range of tourism and trade activities nationwide have been suspended. Pictured is one of Vietnam Airlines’ planes in the parking area of Noi Bai International Airport.

In normal times, both of the country’s largest international airports, Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, are crowded with departures and arrivals, but the past few days have seen them become deserted

Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic in China and its subsequent spread globally, international routes connecting Vietnam with destinations in Asia, Europe, and other countries, have been suspended

With airlines now regularly canceling international flights, aircraft can be seen lining up in the airport’s parking area. It is anticipated that billions of dollars will be spent paying the monthly parking fees as a result of the suspension of all international flights.

With now only a few air routes in operation, the majority of planes have been grounded.

Vietnam Airlines, with a current fleet of 99 aircraft including several Airbus A321s, A350s, and Boeing 787s, is expected to endure a drop of VND12,500 billion in revenue this year

Last month, the suspension of 40% of Vietnam Airlines’ operations led to a reduction in salaries for its leaders and employees.

The national flag carrier has seen their revenue decrease by VND25,000 billion due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Despite this drop in revenue, airlines must spend billions of dong each month on parking fees and maintenance costs

A view of the hundreds of parked airplanes shows how the COVID-19 pandemic is decimating the country's aviation industry.

VOV