Da Nang seizes drone after repeated intrusions into no-fly zone near int’l airport

The Da Nang Military Command said on Tuesday that patrol forces detected and confiscated the drone during a routine inspection along Nguyen Tat Thanh Beach in Hoa Khanh Ward.

At about 2:00 pm that day, officers identified Truong N.T., a local resident, operating the drone within a designated no-fly zone near the airport.

A review of the drone’s onboard data showed that T. had flown the device illegally on multiple consecutive days, including during the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.

Authorities warned that unauthorized drone operations near airports pose significant risks to aircraft and passengers, potentially disrupting flight operations and threatening civil aviation safety.

At the scene, officers informed T. that his actions violated regulations governing unmanned aerial vehicles under Government Decree 282/2025/ND-CP.

Under Article 8 of the decree, violators face administrative fines ranging from VND30 million ($1,150) to VND40 million ($1,530), along with possible confiscation of the equipment.

The Hoa Khanh Ward Military Command documented the violation, temporarily seized the drone, and transferred the case to police for further investigation and handling under the law.

Officials said illegal drone activity in Da Nang has grown increasingly complex, particularly in coastal areas and residential neighborhoods located near restricted zones and flight safety corridors.

On February 22, Da Nang International Airport reported three separate drone intrusions during Tet, forcing 49 flights to delay take-offs and landings.

Airport officials said air traffic controllers coordinated with relevant agencies to secure the airspace, instructing aircraft to hold position and adjusting schedules until operations could safely resume.

Flight operations later returned to normal.

The military command said it has intensified patrols and surveillance, working closely with relevant agencies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.

Authorities have also expanded public awareness campaigns targeting residents, service providers and tourists, urging strict compliance with drone regulations and reinforcing prohibitions on flying in restricted and no-fly zones to safeguard aviation safety.