Da Nang, Vietnam – Authorities recently detected multiple drone intrusions into the flight safety corridor at Da Nang International Airport, impacting a total of 54 flights on the first and sixth days of the Tet holiday. These incidents caused significant disruptions, forcing many flights to delay takeoff or adjust landing times.
On the morning of 17/2, the first day of Tet, a drone was spotted flying above an aircraft at an altitude of approximately 1,158 meters. While the affected flight landed safely, eight other flights experienced 20-30 minute takeoff delays, and ten flights faced disruptions during their approach. Later that afternoon, another drone appeared at about 366 meters to the left of an aircraft. This incident prevented seven flights from taking off for 66-100 minutes, required two aircraft to stop on the runway after engine start-up, and forced eight flights into holding patterns. In total, 35 flights were affected on 17/2.
Similar disruptions occurred at noon on 22/2, the sixth day of Tet, when a drone was detected at an altitude of approximately 518 meters, four minutes after an aircraft departed the runway. Although the flight continued its journey, seven other flights were delayed by 14 to 57 minutes, and two aircraft had their takeoffs temporarily halted. Concurrently, ten flights approaching Da Nang had to alter their routes, landing 30-45 minutes late. These events collectively impacted 19 flights on 22/2.
Each time an unmanned aerial vehicle is detected, the joint operational team coordinates with relevant units, instructing approaching aircraft to enter holding patterns and temporarily suspending takeoffs to ensure safety.
Legally, operating a flycam within the flight safety corridor of Da Nang International Airport without authorization from competent authorities violates civil aviation regulations, according to Master, Lawyer Dang Thi Thuy Huyen. The Civil Aviation Law of Vietnam 2025 stipulates that flight operations must adhere to permitted airspace, ensuring safety during takeoff, landing, and air traffic control. Airport and airfield areas, along with their vicinities, are subject to strict control over flight activities.
Furthermore, Decree 288/2025/ND-CP, which governs unmanned aircraft and other flying vehicles, mandates that organizations and individuals using flycams or unmanned aerial vehicles must register their equipment before operation. Registration and certification are only granted when the equipment meets technical standards issued by the Ministry of National Defense and has documentation proving legal origin. Unauthorized operation of a flycam in a flight safety area can result in administrative penalties.
Specifically, under point d, clause 2, Article 8 of Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, individuals operating unregistered or unlicensed unmanned aircraft or ultralight flying vehicles, or organizations conducting flight activities without a permit, or flying outside approved times, locations, areas, coordinates, or limits, may face fines of 2-3 million Vietnamese dong (VND).
If an individual conducts flight operations without a permit issued by a competent authority, they may be fined 20-30 million VND (clause 10, Article 8). Organizations face fines double that amount.
Moreover, if such actions obstruct or jeopardize the safety of other aircraft, offenders may incur fines of 30-40 million VND and have their flight licenses suspended for three to six months (clauses 11, 14, Article 8).
In cases leading to severe consequences, such as damage to property, injury, loss of life, or intrusion into critical national defense or security zones, violators may face criminal prosecution under the Penal Code 2015. Depending on the nature and extent of the offense, actions could lead to charges of obstructing air traffic under Article 278 of the Penal Code or other related offenses concerning life, property, or national security.
These regulations underscore that the use of flycams and unmanned aerial vehicles is no longer merely a recreational activity; it falls under strict management regarding aviation security and safety. "Illegal flying in airport areas and flight safety corridors poses significant risks and can lead to both administrative and criminal liability," Lawyer Huyen noted.
On the afternoon of 24/2, during a patrol, the Da Nang City Military Command detected a 36-year-old man operating a flycam in a restricted zone. Authorities examining stored data found that the individual had illegally used the flying device multiple times over several days, particularly during the Tet Binh Ngo 2026 holiday.
At the scene, authorities educated the man about violating regulations on managing and using unmanned aerial vehicles as per Decree 282/2025/ND-CP. For this offense, the individual could face a fine of 30-40 million VND and confiscation of the equipment.
The Hoa Khanh ward Military Command seized the flycam, completed the necessary documentation, and handed the case over to the police for appropriate action.
Hai Duyen
