HCMC – Vietnam’s aviation regulator has placed eight airports on alert as Typhoon Kalmaegi moves toward the central region.
The Danang, Phu Bai, Lien Khuong, Chu Lai, Phu Cat, Tuy Hoa, Pleiku and Buon Ma Thuot airports are forecast to be directly affected, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) said.
Cam Ranh and Dong Hoi airports have been told to monitor weather conditions closely in case the storm changes direction.
The CAAV issued an emergency directive requiring 24-hour staffing and strict compliance with storm-response procedures. Airports Corporation of Vietnam must inspect infrastructure and communications systems, fix any damage and prepare measures to prevent flooding and protect equipment to ensure quick recovery after the storm.
Construction work at airports such as Chu Lai and Phu Cat may be suspended if needed. Contractors must take precautions and prepare post-storm restoration plans.
Airports are required to update weather reports continuously, adjust operations when necessary and prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding.
Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation has been assigned to strengthen forecasting and meteorological warnings. Airlines and flight-operation units must track the storm and adjust flight schedules to maintain safety.
The national weather agency said the storm was located about 220 km from Song Tu Tay Island in Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Spratly) Archipelago and around 760 km from the former city of Quy Nhon (former Binh Dinh Province) at 8 p.m. on November 5, with sustained winds of level 14 and gusts of level 17. It was moving west-northwest at about 30 km per hour.
By 7 p.m. on November 6, the storm is expected to come within 120 km of Quy Nhon before making landfall between Quang Ngai and the Gia Lai–Dak Lak area early on November 7 with winds of level 12 and gusts of level 15.
