Vietnam aviation authority raises concerns after UAVs, kites disrupt 38 flights

According to the CAAV, three separate incidents involving suspected UAVs and other flying objects were detected at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong City during the two-day period, directly affecting flight operations.

At Noi Bai Airport on June 6, drone activity disrupted 28 flights. Eight departing flights were forced to wait at runway holding points, while the other 20 arriving flights had to remain in holding patterns before landing.

On June 7, the appearance of a kite being flown near the airport, within the departure area, caused seven departing flights to delay take-off.

At Cat Bi Airport on the evening of June 7, three flights were affected after illuminated kites were spotted near the airport. Among them, one departing flight had its take-off delayed, while the other two arriving flights were diverted to Noi Bai Airport.

The CAAV said that immediately after the incidents occurred, relevant agencies implemented coordination procedures to receive reports, verify information, and handle unauthorized flying objects detected within prohibited and restricted airspace around airports, in accordance with existing regulations aimed at ensuring aviation safety.

However, the authority warned that similar incidents involving UAVs and kites could recur and continue disrupting airport operations, posing potential risks to flight safety.

The CAAV noted that the incidents occurred during the summer season, when increased outdoor activities by students during school holidays may lead to a rise in kite flying and the use of other airborne objects near airports.

To improve prevention, detection, and response efforts, the CAAV has asked the Ministry of Construction to consider issuing an urgent directive to provincial and municipal authorities with airports, as well as relevant ministries and agencies.

The authority proposed strengthening public awareness campaigns on regulations under Vietnam’s Air Defense Law and the risks that unauthorized flying objects pose to aviation safety when operating within airport no-fly zones and restricted areas.

Local authorities in areas surrounding airports were also urged to work closely with runway safety teams in monitoring, verifying, and handling incidents involving unauthorized flying objects.

In addition, the CAAV recommended that the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense instruct local units to clearly designate agencies responsible for receiving and processing reports related to drones and unauthorized airborne objects operating near airports, in order to ensure swift and effective responses.