Photo: thanhnien.vn

Flight VN310, conducted by national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, left Nội Bài International Airport in Hà Nội at 6.30am for a five-hour journey to Narita Airport in Tokyo. It marked the beginning of the resumption of regular flights to a number of selected countries in Asia since planes were grounded back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Onboard were Vietnamese trainees, workers, and experts heading back to Tokyo to continue their studies and work after months of disruption. It also carried a number of Japanese citizens heading home. All 60 passengers boarding the Vietnam Airlines flight had to present a mandatory proof of a negative coronavirus tests (PCR diagnostics) issued three days before the flight, declare their travel history in the 14 days prior and download contract tracing apps as per health protocols set by the host country.