Vietnam Deputy PM orders reviews of foreign pilots’ backgrounds, health records

The directive was issued following the National Committee for Aviation Security and Facilitation’s first meeting held on Tuesday.

As per the directive, the Ministry of Public Security will lead efforts to improve the legal framework governing the development and management of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), while working with relevant agencies to develop a digital aviation security map identifying no-fly zones and restricted airspace nationwide.

Information about these zones must be made public, with warning signs installed to deter UAVs and other flying objects from entering restricted areas.

The ministry was also asked to strengthen investigations and strictly handle violations involving UAVs that threaten or affect aviation security and safety.

In particular, it must regularly review the management of foreign personnel in Vietnam's aviation sector, including their backgrounds, health conditions, and employment histories, with a focus on foreign pilots.

The aim is to promptly identify and prevent potential threats to aviation security and safety.

The Ministry of National Defense will oversee UAV flight activities within its jurisdiction and strengthen monitoring, particularly in no-fly and restricted-flight zones.

The Vietnamese government also called for amendments to the Law on People’s Air Defense and related regulations to establish detailed rules governing UAV operations and other types of aircraft, ensuring they do not interfere with civil or military aviation activities.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance will instruct customs authorities to strengthen inspections of imported and exported drone-related products, including those shipped through postal services, express delivery channels, and cross-border e-commerce platforms, with the aim of preventing smuggling and illegal transportation.

Deputy PM Tuc emphasized that aviation security measures must go hand in hand with facilitating travel and trade, saying that airports serve not only as transportation hubs but also as national gateways and symbols of the country’s image.

Authorities were also ordered to develop emergency response plans and conduct drills for scenarios involving terrorism, riots, aviation security threats, drone-related incidents, search-and-rescue operations, and other unexpected situations.

These exercises are expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2027.

The government also directed a comprehensive review of preparations for the opening of Long Thanh International Airport’s Phase 1 in Dong Nai City, southern Vietnam, and Gia Binh International Airport in the northern city of Bac Ninh, requiring the highest standards of security and safety before operations begin.

Preparations are also underway for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in 2027 (APEC 2027), which is scheduled to take place in Phu Quoc Special Zone in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Local authorities have been instructed to coordinate closely with security and defense agencies to ensure aviation security before, during, and after the event.