Aircraft bound for Thanh Hoa diverted to Hanoi due to unmanned aerial vehicle

The incident not only affected the incoming flights but also disturbed corresponding return flights from Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa to Ho Chi Minh City.

Between June 13 and 14, an unmanned aerial vehicle appeared over the airspace of Tho Xuan Airport.

The Northern Airports Authority then reported the issue to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), which described the situation as potential threats to civil aviation operations at Tho Xuan Airport.

The CAAV has directed the Northern Airports Authority to lead an investigation into the incidents on June 13 and 14 and report its findings, while coordinating with relevant agencies to respond promptly to any intrusion by unauthorized aerial devices.

In addition, it must work with local authorities to organize joint patrols in residential areas near the airport to detect and penalize any unlawful use of unmanned aerial vehicles that could threaten flight safety.

The CAAV also urged intensified public communication efforts to encourage residents near the airport to strictly comply with aviation safety regulations.

The provincial administration recently held a meeting at Tho Xuan Airport with representatives from aviation authorities, airport officials, and local police to discuss the problem.

As a mixed military-civilian airfield located in Thanh Hoa’s Tho Xuan District, Tho Xuan Airport operates 10-15 civilian flights daily in addition to its military role, according to news site VnExpress.