Kite, drone sighting disrupt 23 flights at Hanoi airport

The latest disruption occurred on Sunday morning when a kite near the airport affected seven flights, following a drone incident a day earlier that delayed 16 others.

The kite was first reported at 10:38 am by the crew of Vietnam Airlines flight VN414, which had just departed Noi Bai for Incheon, South Korea.

The pilots spotted it shortly after take-off and immediately alerted air traffic control.

Shortly after, a Vietjet Air flight bound for Pleiku in Gia Lai Province reported a kite near the airport.

Both crews notified the approach control center under the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation, prompting coordination with the airport’s air traffic control tower and emergency response units.

Departures were then temporarily suspended while authorities assessed the situation.

At 11:11 am, an arriving flight, VN244, reported to air traffic control that no kites were visible during its approach.

The airport’s emergency team later confirmed that the previously affected airspace was clear.

Normal operations resumed at 11:16 am after authorities verified safe conditions for take-off and landing.

According to the approach control center, seven flights were affected, including two aircraft at parking stands with engines already started, one holding on the runway, and four others taxiing for departure.

The kite disruption came just one day after a more serious incident involving an unmanned aerial vehicle.

At 10:11 am on June 6, the crew of Vietjet Flight VJ1773 from Hanoi to Cam Ranh detected a drone flying in the opposite direction while the aircraft was at an altitude of around 1,430 meters, approximately eight kilometers from the airport.

The crew immediately reported the sighting to air traffic control, which ordered a temporary suspension of departing flights from 10:15 am, while continuing to allow arriving aircraft to land.

The Northern Airports Authority, in coordination with runway safety teams, police, and military units, launched an investigation to determine the drone’s origin.

By 11:13 am the same day, authorities confirmed the drone was no longer in the area, and normal operations resumed shortly afterward.

The incident caused delays to 16 flights operated by both Vietnamese and foreign carriers.

Aviation authorities said the airport conducts annual coordination campaigns with local authorities in surrounding areas to raise awareness of regulations on drones, flycams, and other aerial devices.

However, incidents involving kites, laser beams directed at aircraft, and unauthorized drones continue to occur sporadically near airport zones.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said current regulations under civil defense laws clearly define the responsibilities of relevant agencies and local authorities in managing drone activity.

Aviation bodies are required to coordinate closely to prevent and respond to aerial objects that could threaten flight safety, with flight operations only resuming once authorities confirm the airspace is clear of any risks.