Drones in Vietnam airport airspace: Growing threat to safe flight operations

The Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security said rapid advances in technology have made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones and other ultralight flying devices increasingly common in filmmaking, photography, entertainment, manufacturing and a wide range of other activities.

However, alongside their benefits, the unauthorized use of drones, particularly around airports and airfields, is creating significant risks to aviation security and safety, as well as public order and safety.

A recurring threat

According to authorities, 34 incidents involving drones and other flying devices entering restricted airspace around airports in Hanoi, Thanh Hoa Province and Ho Chi Minh City were recorded nationwide in 2025.

In the first six months of 2026 alone, another 17 incidents were reported in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa and Ho Chi Minh City.

Whenever a drone is detected in an area used for aircraft takeoffs, landings or approaches, air traffic controllers must immediately implement emergency measures to ensure flight safety.

These may include suspending takeoffs, temporarily halting landing operations, instructing aircraft to enter holding patterns or diverting flights to alternative airports.

Such disruptions affect not only airline operations but also passengers and the entire aviation services supply chain.

The economic impact has already been substantial.

National flag air carrier Vietnam Airlines reported that drone-related incidents between February 17 and 24 caused losses of some VND5.6 billion (US$214,380) and affected around 9,200 passengers through flight delays, schedule changes and extended waiting times.

During the same period, Vietjet had eight flights affected by drone-related incidents.

At Da Nang International Airport alone, direct losses incurred by the airport and businesses operating there were estimated at more than VND10 billion ($382,670).

The figure did not include indirect losses suffered by airlines, logistics companies and passengers.

More seriously, a drone colliding with an aircraft during takeoff or landing could cause a catastrophic accident, directly threatening the lives of hundreds of passengers and crew members.

Drone incursions also require police, military personnel, aviation security forces and other agencies to mobilize substantial manpower and equipment to detect the devices, locate their operators and deal with violations.

To prevent drone incursions in restricted airspace, the ministry has directed authorities to implement a range of coordinated measures.

Officers are also researching and applying technical solutions to detect, monitor, alert against and neutralize drones operating unlawfully around airports and airfields.

Besides, authorities work closely with relevant agencies to verify incidents, investigate violations and strictly handle offenders in accordance with the law.

Public warned against flying drones near airports

To help ensure aviation security and safety, the Immigration Department has urged people not to operate drones or other flying devices in no-fly or restricted-flight zones without authorization from the competent authorities.

Drone operators should use their devices only for the purposes, in the locations and at the times specified in their flight permits, and strictly within the scope of the authorization granted.

They are also advised to familiarize themselves with legal requirements concerning drone registration, flight permits and designated operating areas before using the devices.

People should promptly notify the police, military authorities or airport management units when they spot a drone or other flying object operating illegally near an airport or airfield.

“Every organization or individual needs to raise awareness of legal compliance and use drones in accordance with regulations, contributing to keeping the skies safe, ensuring smooth aviation operations and supporting sustainable development,” the department stressed.