HCMC – Vietnam’s aviation authority has warned of increasing risks to flight safety from drones, kites and other airborne objects near airports after dozens of flights were disrupted at Noi Bai and Cat Bi airports earlier this month.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) said incidents reported on June 6 and 7 highlighted the possibility of recurring unauthorized drone activity near airports, posing a threat to aviation safety. The warning comes as the summer holiday season, which coincides with school vacations, could lead to a rise in recreational flying activities.
At Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, drone activity on June 6 affected 28 flights. Eight departing flights were forced to delay takeoff, while 20 arriving flights had to remain in holding patterns before landing.
A day later, seven additional flights experienced delays after a kite was detected in the airport’s departure area.
At Cat Bi International Airport in Haiphong, three flights were affected. One departing flight was delayed and two arriving flights were diverted to alternate airports.
In a report submitted to the Ministry of Construction, the CAAV proposed stronger coordination among local authorities, airport operators and aviation agencies to prevent similar incidents.
The authority called on provincial and municipal governments hosting airports to step up public awareness campaigns on regulations governing unmanned aircraft and other flying objects, particularly the risks associated with operating them in restricted airspace.
The CAAV also urged local authorities to work closely with runway safety task forces to detect and handle violations more effectively.
In addition, airport operators, aviation authorities and air traffic management units were asked to strengthen coordination in assessing operational impacts, suspending or resuming flight operations when necessary, and responding promptly to unauthorized drone incursions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and Trade were asked to review regulations governing the import, sale, transportation and use of drones to strengthen oversight and reduce the risk of unauthorized operations near airports.
Following the incidents, authorities at Noi Bai and Cat Bi airports activated coordination procedures for handling airborne objects in accordance with CAAV guidelines to ensure safe flight operations.
