The powerful storm has entered the East Sea and is moving towards the central coast of Vietnam with winds gusting more than 150kph near its centre.
Though Rai is forecast not to slam into the mainland, it will cause rough seas and bring heavy rain on the way it churns along the central coast on December 19-20.
A total of 14 Vietnam Airlines flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Nam, Quy Nhon and Tuy Hoa and vice versa will be cancelled on December 19.
“We look forward to receiving passenger understanding in the event of flight schedule changes to ensure absolute safety against the impact of bad weather,” said a representative of Vietnam Airlines.
The airline has advised passengers to regularly monitor the news and the firm’s social media platforms for updated travel advisories related to typhoon Rai.
“Based on weather developments, Vietnam Airlines will implement a compensatory flight schedule in the coming days and carry out relevant support activities”, said the representative.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam earlier sent a telegram to its agencies and airlines, requesting them to come up with plans against the super typhoon.