Vietnam Airlines Double Cancellation Strands Perth Travelers Before Christmas
Key Points
- 1Vietnam Airlines flight VN790 from Perth was cancelled twice due to a technical issue, stranding Christmas travelers.
- 2The incident highlights broader fleet strain, with 28 aircraft in Vietnam grounded in late 2025 due to global engine shortages.
- 3Australian passengers must rely on the Australian Consumer Law and the Montreal Convention for compensation claims.
A double cancellation by Vietnam Airlines has left West Australian passengers stranded. The flight, VN790 from Perth Airport to Ho Chi Minh City, was first cancelled early Sunday morning. The cause was a technical issue just before take-off.
Passengers were told to return to the airport later that day. They were then informed the flight was cancelled again, half an hour before boarding. This Vietnam Airlines flight cancellation severely disrupted holiday plans. Many passengers were left trying to secure refunds or new flights.
Passenger Impact and Service Concerns
Perth resident Chloe George was planning a Christmas cruise. Her itinerary included a cruise on Ha Long Bay. It also featured an overnight sleeper train. The double cancellation made her entire trip impossible.
Ms. George noted the safety of the aircraft comes first. However, she expressed disappointment with the lack of empathy from the airline. She questioned why passengers were asked to check in again. This happened when the aircraft was apparently not fixed.
Passengers faced long queues at customer service desks. They sought solutions for their Christmas holiday travel disruption. The incident highlights the stress on travelers with complex itineraries. Such cancellations often result in significant financial loss.
Broader Operational Challenges
This VN790 double cancellation occurs amid wider issues. Vietnamese carriers face ongoing operational hurdles. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has urged airlines to boost resilience.
Industry reports confirm a global engine shortage impact. This is due to recalls for Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines. This has grounded 28 commercial aircraft in Vietnam. Additionally, Vietnamese airlines are slow to complete mandated software updates. These are for their Airbus A320 family fleet. The Perth to Ho Chi Minh City route is typically served by a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. Nonetheless, fleet strain affects all operations.
Australian Consumer Law and Passenger Rights
Passengers seeking compensation rely on several frameworks. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) guarantees services are provided in a reasonable time. For international flights, the Montreal Convention may apply. It allows claims for damages from delays.
However, airlines can avoid liability if they took all reasonable measures. This includes grounding an aircraft for a technical issue aircraft grounding. The CAAV has directed carriers to offer refunds. They must also arrange the nearest available flights. The incident underscores the need for clear Australian passenger rights legislation. A proposed 2024 Bill aims to impose minimum compensation levels.
For more information on current flight operational challenges, see the latest commercial aviation news.
- 28 aircraft in Vietnam were grounded in late 2025. This was due to global engine shortages.
- The double cancellation of flight VN790 stranded passengers. It happened just before Christmas 2025.
- Australian consumer law guarantees a remedy for major service failures. This includes a refund or compensation.
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