A viral video shows a group of Indian tourists sitting on the floor of a waiting area at an airport in Vietnam and eating a community-style meal, with food spread out around them. Industrialist Harsh Goenka shared the clip on X on 7 November 2026 and asked when Indians will “learn to travel with civic sense”. The clip has split social media, and it is a good moment to understand what foreign airports and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expect from travellers.
What the viral Vietnam airport video shows
The video shows a group of around 15 to 20 Indian tourists sitting on the floor of a waiting area at a Vietnam airport. The clip, titled “Indian Style Lunch in Vietnam Airport”, shows people sitting together in the terminal’s waiting area and eating food placed on newspapers spread on the floor. Reports describe it as home-cooked food, and some outlets compared it to a “bhandara” (community meal).
Which airport it was, when it was filmed and who the travellers are have not been stated in the reports we reviewed. We could not find any report of airport staff or Vietnamese authorities taking action, so no fine or penalty should be assumed.
What Harsh Goenka said
Goenka’s post, dated 7 November 2026, read: “Vietnam has become a favourite new destination for Indian travellers.” He went on to say that turning airports into picnic spots, with food and litter spread around, could make Indians unpopular tourists. The post picked up over 435,000 views and nearly 6,000 likes at the time NewsBytes reported on it.
Goenka has commented before on how Indians behave abroad, and the remark here is about conduct in shared public space, not about Vietnam or its airports.
How social media reacted
Opinion was divided. Some people called for strict action against such behaviour, while others pointed out that bringing homemade food is a longstanding tradition, as long as it doesn’t create a mess or bother others. Critics said airports are shared international spaces, and some asked why travellers carry home food across thousands of kilometres instead of trying local cuisine. Defenders said eating packed food is natural for many families, especially when the terminal is not crowded and the area is left clean.
Rules on public behaviour at foreign airports
There is no single global rulebook. Each country and airport sets its own terminal rules, and Indian travellers are bound by them. The MEA’s travel guidance tells Indians to obey the laws of the country they are visiting, even if these appear harsh or unfair by Indian standards, and not to expect different treatment from locals.
On Vietnam specifically, we found no published rule that bans eating packed food in a terminal waiting area, so the video does not by itself prove a legal violation. What Vietnamese law does cover is littering and public order:
- Decree 144/2021/ND-CP provides for a warning or a fine of VND 300,000 to 500,000 for acts such as littering near protected sites and obstructing or harassing others at airports and other public places.
- Under Decree 45/2022/ND-CP on environmental violations, a Vietnamese legal expert said littering fines range from VND 100,000 to 2 million.
- Vietnam’s civil aviation law allows a carrier to refuse carriage to a passenger who disturbs public order or endangers flight safety.
These are general rules, not findings about the group in the video. Fine amounts are in Vietnamese dong and may be revised, so check current rules before travel.
Practical etiquette for Indian travellers
Common-sense habits go a long way, and they match the MEA’s advice. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said Indians abroad should follow the law and order of that country and create a good image of India. In practice:
- Use food courts, lounges or designated seating for meals, and avoid blocking walkways or gates.
- Use bins, carry out your wrappers and wipe up spills; do not spread out newspapers or sheets on terminal floors.
- Follow signs and staff instructions, and keep group size and noise in check in shared areas.
- Check airline and country rules on carrying food, since customs and biosecurity limits on food items vary by destination.
- Read the MEA’s Dos and Don’ts for Foreign Travel and register with the Indian mission if your stay is long.
Key details
| Point | What is confirmed (as of 10 November 2026) |
|---|---|
| What the video shows | Group of Indian tourists eating on a Vietnam airport waiting-area floor |
| Group size | Around 15 to 20 people, per Gujarat Samachar |
| Goenka’s post | Shared on X on 7 November 2026 |
| Airport, filming date | Not stated in the reports we checked |
| Official action | None reported so far |
| Official Indian guidance | MEA: obey local laws, behave responsibly abroad |
FAQ
Who posted the Vietnam airport video?
The clip was circulating on social media with the caption “Indian style lunch in Vietnam airport”. Harsh Goenka shared it on X on 7 November 2026 with his comment on civic sense. The original uploader has not been named in the reports we reviewed.
Is eating on the floor at a Vietnam airport illegal?
We found no published Vietnamese rule that specifically bans it. Littering, obstructing others and disturbing public order can attract warnings or fines, and airport staff can ask passengers to move.
Were the tourists fined or detained?
No report of a fine, detention or official statement has surfaced as of 10 November 2026.
Can Indians carry home food on international flights?
It depends on the airline, security screening and the destination’s customs rules, which differ widely. Check them before you fly and eat in designated areas.
Source for the post and reactions: Gujarat Samachar.
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