No-drone zones established around Vietnam's Cam Ranh Airport amid safety concerns

Authorities in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, have ordered relevant agencies to install signs marking no-fly and restricted-flight zones around the international airport to prevent unauthorized operations of drones and other flying devices that could threaten aviation safety.

The provincial administration on Thursday tasked the Department of Construction with coordinating with the provincial Military Command, provincial police and relevant agencies to review zone boundaries and determine locations for warning signs along roads around the airport.

All signs marking no-fly and restricted-flight zones must be installed by October 20, authorities said.

The airport handles an average of 168 takeoffs and landings a day, with 27 international airlines and seven domestic carriers operating scheduled and charter flights to destinations including Russia, China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, according to the provincial administration.

Authorities have also instructed Cam Lam Commune and Bac Cam Ranh Ward to inform residents directly about the restrictions and urge them not to fly kites or balloons, operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or shine laser beams in areas where such activities could affect flight operations.

Businesses, accommodation providers, tourist facilities and schools must sign commitments to comply with regulations and ensure that their employees, residents, visitors, foreign nationals and students do not illegally operate UAVs or other flying devices.

Khanh Hoa police have been assigned to investigate and strictly handle violations involving UAVs and other flying objects that affect airport operations, while tracing drone supply sources to prevent violations at their origin.

The provincial administration has also called for appropriate response plans and equipment to promptly deal with unauthorized UAVs and other flying objects entering no-fly or restricted-flight zones around the airport.

The provincial Military Command is responsible for strengthening oversight of UAV operations through flight permits and publicizing no-fly zones.

Commune-level military forces, in coordination with local police, must compile lists of individuals and organizations involved in manufacturing, trading or supplying UAVs and components, providing related services, or owning and operating such devices by October 20, according to the provincial administration.

Authorities have also been instructed to step up patrols in areas where kite flying, unauthorized UAV operations, other flying activities, high-powered lights or sky lanterns could threaten aviation safety.

Colonel Tran Minh Truc, deputy director of Khanh Hoa Department of Public Security, said the provincial police held a meeting on October 13 to explain regulations on the management and use of UAVs and other flying devices around the airport.

At the meeting, authorities presented maps of no-fly and restricted-flight zones and explained registration and operating requirements, particularly those applicable to foreign nationals and international tourists staying in the province. 

Relevant organizations were also asked to sign commitments to comply with the law.

Local authorities in communes and wards around Cam Ranh International Airport have begun installing no-fly warning signs, according to the provincial administration.