In a swift response to the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar, Vietjet, a Vietnamese airline, has mobilized rescue teams and relief supplies through two special flights, VJ2875 and VJ2877. These flights, utilizing Airbus A330 and A321 aircraft, departed from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to Yangon on March 30, 2025, carrying 106 rescue personnel along with over 60 tons of medical equipment and food supplies.
According to Mr. Dinh Viet Phoung, the CEO of Vietjet, the airline was fully prepared for this humanitarian mission, ensuring everything was in place to expedite the delivery of aid to the earthquake-affected regions. "Vietjet is always ready for special missions and acts quickly to send rescue teams to Myanmar so that assistance can occur in a timely manner," he stated.
Upon arrival in Yangon, rescue teams immediately began unloading supplies and coordinating with local authorities, including police and military personnel, to facilitate search and rescue operations as well as medical assistance. Vietjet's commitment to humanitarian efforts has been evident in past crises, such as the 2018 Indonesia earthquake and tsunami, and the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, where they provided vital transportation for relief personnel.
Furthermore, Vietjet Thailand has introduced a policy to support passengers affected by the earthquake. Travelers heading to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) between March 28 and 31, 2025, can change their flight schedule once at no additional cost, or opt for a credit shell refund valid for 365 days. This initiative aims to ease travel disruptions caused by the natural disaster.
Meanwhile, the situation in Myanmar remains dire following the earthquake, which has claimed at least 2,886 lives and left 4,639 injured, as reported by Xinhua news agency. The United Nations has called for increased international assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for clean water, sanitation, food, shelter, and medical supplies. The humanitarian situation is worsening daily, exacerbated by the impending monsoon season.
In a troubling development, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an armed ethnic group in Myanmar, reported that the Myanmar military fired upon a convoy of humanitarian aid vehicles belonging to the Chinese Red Cross. The incident occurred near Ummati village in Naung Cho district while the convoy was en route to deliver assistance. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the TNLA claimed that the military’s actions were unjustified, as the convoy had previously notified the authorities of its route.
Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military government, has rejected calls for a temporary ceasefire from opposition groups. The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government opposing military rule, had previously declared a two-week ceasefire following the earthquake, which has displaced over 7.7 million civilians.
As the military continues its operations, the TNLA and other ethnic armed groups, including the Kokang Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), have announced a suspension of military actions for one month, citing the need for humanitarian assistance and the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts.
In light of these developments, the Chinese government has pledged 100 million yuan (approximately 500 million baht) for rehabilitation efforts in Myanmar. This support marks China's commitment to assisting its neighbor during this crisis, as it seeks to bolster recovery efforts amid the chaos.
As the international community watches closely, the situation in Myanmar remains precarious. The combination of natural disaster and ongoing conflict presents a significant challenge to relief efforts, with many organizations urging for a more coordinated response to aid those in desperate need.
Vietjet's proactive measures exemplify the airline's dedication to humanitarian causes, and as conditions evolve, the focus on providing timely assistance will be crucial in the coming weeks. The need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including military factions, humanitarian organizations, and international governments, is paramount to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
In summary, while Vietjet has taken commendable steps to deliver relief to Myanmar, the broader context of military conflict and humanitarian need complicates the situation significantly. As the world turns its attention to Myanmar, the hope is that peace and stability can be restored, allowing for effective recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of this tragic earthquake.
