Da Nang tightens drone controls amid airport incursions linked to real estate filming

In a directive issued on Monday, the Da Nang Military Command and the city’s Civil Air Defense Steering Committee said the recent reappearance of unmanned aerial vehicles in restricted airspace had become more complicated.

From February 17 to Sunday, Da Nang International Airport received three reports from flight crews of unidentified objects suspected to be drones operating within prohibited areas.

Officials said the incidents disrupted several take-offs and landings, forcing air traffic controllers to adjust operations to ensure safety.

The military command said unauthorized drone use not only posed a direct threat to aviation safety but also carried risks related to military secrecy, national defense, and public order.

Local authorities said recent increases in real estate activity, particularly in land transactions, had led some organizations and individuals to use drones without permits to film and photograph properties for advertising and sales.

They also cited cases of individuals independently researching, modifying or testing drones without authorization, complicating airspace management.

Under the new measures, the Da Nang Military Command has ordered border guard units, local defense forces, and commune-level military commands to strengthen oversight and enforcement.

Commune-level military commands have been instructed to form rapid response teams, maintain observation posts, and coordinate in detecting and handling unauthorized drone activity.

Authorities were also told to review and update response plans to protect key targets.

For recreational drones with a maximum take-off weight of under 0.25 kg operating outside prohibited or restricted areas and within visual line of sight, permits are not required.

However, users must notify and obtain consent from local commune or ward-level military authorities before flying.

The city’s civil air defense authorities also called on local administrations to allocate funding to purchase binoculars and drone suppression equipment, and to reward individuals and organizations that help detect and handle illegal drone operations.

Authorities stressed that flights are strictly prohibited in no-fly zones, restricted areas, defense and security zones, around airports, and at offices of Party and state agencies.

Violations, including flying without authorization or entering prohibited areas, may result in administrative fines of up to VND40 million (US$1,527) per case, the military command said.