Air passengers face stiff fines for violating safety

Air passengers face fines of up to VND30 million (US$1,580) for violating safety regulations under a new government decree. Smoking on no-smoking flights entails a fine of VND500,000 to VND1 million.
Similar fines will also be slapped on passengers found using electronic devices, stealing others’ possessions or aircraft equipment, and ignoring pandemic prevention and other instructions from the crew.
People who cause damage to the aircraft or any of its equipment or use its safety equipment without permission will face fines of VND1 million to VND5 million.
VND10 million to VND20 million will be the fine for trying to open an aircraft’s emergency exit during a flight.
People disrupting flights by raising false alarms will also face a similar penalty.
Passengers who threaten the safety of a plane will be fined VND20 million to VND30 million.
The decree also stipulates penalties for organizations and individuals involved in operating flights.
Airlines that transport dangerous goods without relevant clearances, operate flights without traffic rights, or run test flights in unauthorized and highly-populated areas will be fined VND50 million to VND100 million.
The decree takes effect from July 20.