Da Nang airport tests drone detection, suppression system

ACV reported the results at a conference reviewing aviation safety coordination in the second quarter of 2026 with the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) and Vietnam Airlines.

ACV said it had worked with technology partners and relevant authorities to test the system, which is designed to detect drones and support measures to control unauthorized drone activity at Da Nang International Airport.

The trial found no interference with communication systems used for flight operations.

The result is significant, as anti-drone systems must operate without disrupting aviation communication, navigation or other safety-critical systems.

ACV began the trial as drone activity became a growing concern for airport operations.

Statistics released by the immigration police at Da Nang International Airport in June showed that 597 drones were detected in the airport's controlled airspace during a one-month pilot period.

Of the 597 drones, 458 were detected in no-fly zones and 139 outside those zones.

Authorities identified 227 instances of drones entering the airport's restricted airspace and took measures to prevent and control the incursions.

Drones can change altitude, direction, and position during flight, making them harder to track than fixed objects.

Authorities can also face difficulties identifying drone operators when they are located far from the airport.

Drone threat extends beyond detection

Recent drone incidents at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City have highlighted the operational risks posed by unauthorized drone activity.

When a drone is detected near an airport operating area, aviation authorities must verify the information and take safety measures, according to VATM.

Authorities may warn flight crews, adjust air traffic management plans, manage arriving and departing aircraft and coordinate with ground forces.

Take-offs or landings may also be temporarily suspended when authorities assess the risk as high.

Such disruptions can affect multiple flights and aircraft rotations.

On the evening of August 11, Tan Son Nhat suspended take-offs and landings twice for a combined period of about 60 minutes after drones were detected in a restricted area.

The incidents affected 56-70 flights, with estimated losses of VND38-55 billion (US$1.4-2.1 million).

Aviation experts said drone detection and suppression technology could help airports respond to the threat but would not address all operational issues.

They said authorities need clear procedures for responding after a drone is detected.

The procedures need to identify which agency receives the alert, which agency verifies the incident, which force can intervene, and what action should be taken at each risk level.

ACV, VATM, and Vietnam Airlines have proposed an inter-agency coordination mechanism involving aviation authorities, police, the military, and local administrations.

The mechanism would define the responsibilities of each agency and response measures for different levels of risk.

Mai Manh Hung, head of the Air Traffic Operations Management Division under the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, said the authority was working with relevant agencies to study the establishment of a specialized team for drone detection and response at airports.

Dang Duc Dung, an aviation safety expert, said the recent incidents at Tan Son Nhat showed the potential impact of drone activity on aviation operations and public safety.

Experts also called for stronger management of drone users, including training, licensing and public awareness of no-fly zones and legal responsibilities.

If the Da Nang system proves effective, ACV could consider deploying similar systems at other airports, particularly those with high traffic volumes such as Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai in Hanoi.