From the first to the eighth day of the first lunar month (17-24/2), authorities recorded six incidents of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as flycams, operating illegally near the approach ends of the runways at Da Nang International Airport. These incidents forced 83 flights to hold, temporarily suspend operations, change runways, or divert to alternate airports.
On 1/3, airport representatives stated that flycams threaten flight safety, cause economic damage to airlines, disrupt the schedules of thousands of passengers, and harm Da Nang's image as a destination.
Upon receiving reports, the airport coordinated with the police, military, and local authorities to implement countermeasures, trace UAV operators, handle seven violations, and confiscate related evidence. Da Nang International Airport sent a letter of thanks to Da Nang City Police for their collaborative efforts.
Additionally, on 26/2, in An Hai ward, located about 4-6 km from the airport, the ward Military Command, in coordination with the Reconnaissance and Intelligence Team (Da Nang City Military Command), inspected and documented two foreign nationals using DJI Mini 5 Pro and Neo 2 flycams without registration or permits. The task force ordered them to cease flying, recorded the incident, and reported it to superiors for appropriate action.
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A foreign national was detected operating a flycam near Da Nang beach on 26/2. *Photo: An Hai Ward*.
According to Decree 288/2025, unauthorized flying, entering restricted areas, or failing to comply with control measures can result in fines of 30-40 million VND and confiscation of the equipment.
A report from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam indicates that from September 2025 to February 2026, UAVs repeatedly illegally entered the airspace near Da Nang airport where aircraft take off and land, operating at distances of 3-12 nautical miles and altitudes of 1,000-3,800 feet, posing a potential collision risk.
The Ministry of Construction has urged the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and local authorities to enhance UAV surveillance and establish a standing coordination mechanism among the military, police, and aviation sector for early warnings and timely responses to illegal intrusions. The ministry assessed these incidents as complex, showing UAV control near airports remains ineffective, posing security and flight safety risks.
Currently, the Da Nang City Military Command deploys 24/24h surveillance at observation posts and established specialized patrol teams in wards and communes. They are equipped with UAV jamming guns to strictly control recreational areas, crowded events, scenic spots, and no-fly or restricted zones. The Military Region 5 Command, along with Air Defense Division 375 and Air Force Division 372, are instructed to be ready to deploy forces and jamming equipment upon detecting UAV intrusions.
Engineer Tran Thang, who worked at aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney from 2000-2020, explained that jet engines create strong suction during operation, especially during takeoff and landing phases. In 2009, birds were ingested into both engines of a US Airways aircraft, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River. UAVs, containing metal parts, batteries, and hard components, pose a higher risk, particularly for urban airports like Da Nang.
The Da Nang City Military Command advises organizations and individuals not to operate unmanned aerial vehicles without authorization near airports, national defense and security installations, and in no-fly or restricted zones. Residents who detect violations should immediately report them to the authorities.
Nguyen Dong
