From 13-15/6, Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa) experienced drone intrusions in its airspace during the evenings, causing several flight diversions and temporary airport closures for safety reasons. Most recently, on the evening of 15/6, two Vietjet Air flights from TP HCM to Thanh Hoa were redirected to Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Vinh (Nghe An).

At Noi Bai International Airport, on 10/6, the pilot of flight AXM512 from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi spotted three kites near the runway as the plane prepared to land. Police investigation revealed four children flying kites in Bac Gia village, Phu Lo commune, Soc Son district. The three kites were confiscated, and the children and their guardians were reprimanded and documented.

Since the beginning of the year, Noi Bai International Airport has reported 8 laser incidents and 10 incidents involving kites, balloons, and sky lanterns. Kite-related incidents have increased by approximately 11% compared to 2024. In the first six months of 2025, there have been three drone and flycam intrusions into the airspace, compared to only four in all of 2024.

Doan Thi Lan Huong, Deputy Head of Safety and Quality Control at Noi Bai International Airport, stated that foreign objects like UAVs, kites, and balloons can enter commercial airspace (takeoff and landing areas, flight corridors) at altitudes of 100 meters or less. "Takeoff and landing are the most critical phases of flight. Foreign objects can be sucked into engines, damage cockpit windows or aircraft wings, and cause loss of aircraft control," Huong said.

Phan Kieu Hung, Director of Da Nang International Airport, also emphasized the extreme danger of drones, kites, or sky lanterns colliding with aircraft during takeoff or landing. Because aircraft speed is low and lift is reduced during the landing approach, the risk of an accident is very high if an object is sucked into the engine. "Da Nang Airport recorded five incidents of drones operating near the airport in 2024," Hung said.

A kite flies near the flight path at Noi Bai International Airport. Photo: NIA

A kite flies near the flight path at Noi Bai International Airport. Photo: NIA

Challenges in Addressing the Issue

According to Decree 36/2008 and Decision 18/2020, all drone and ultralight aircraft operations require permits. Authorities have designated no-fly zones (red) and restricted zones (orange), clearly displayed on flight devices.

However, according to Captain Tran Van Quyet of the Air Defense Department, Hai Phong City Military Command, some individuals and organizations have limited awareness and a lack of responsibility. Many operate flycams in restricted areas without permits from the Operations Department (General Staff), despite regulations. The permit application process through the Operations Department is also complex and time-consuming, posing difficulties for individuals and businesses with legitimate needs.

Detecting and handling these flying objects is difficult. Their altitude makes them hard to spot with the naked eye. Authorities primarily rely on pilot reports, but the altitude and location data isn't always precise, making verification difficult. Often, by the time the information is verified, the violators have left the scene. At Noi Bai, local police have only identified kite-flying incidents and haven't addressed any drone incidents around the airport.

Another challenge, according to Phan Kieu Hung, is that airport security lacks the tools to intercept flycams intruding into airport airspace. Waiting for authorized military or police personnel to arrive often takes time and disrupts flight operations.

Hung added that Da Nang International Airport has repeatedly requested local authorities and Da Nang City and Quang Nam Province police to educate residents along the approach and landing corridors and surrounding areas about aviation safety regulations to prevent threats to flight safety.

Local authorities, through the Runway Safety Task Force, actively participate in public awareness campaigns. The airport has signed agreements with the Da Nang City Military Command, the Military Command of Hai Chau, Cam Le, and Thanh Khe districts, and Air Defense Division 375 and Air Division 372 to coordinate surveillance and address drone activity in and around the airport. However, violations persist.

Finding Solutions

Hai Phong, with its civilian airport and numerous military units, requires airspace security not only for commercial flights but also for national defense. To ensure flight safety, Captain Tran Van Quyet explained that the city's military has implemented various measures, including close coordination with police, aviation authorities, air traffic control, and local government. Observation and reconnaissance points operate 24/7 to detect and suppress unauthorized aircraft, especially during major events.

"We maintain strict air defense readiness, closely monitor permitted aircraft, and are ready to respond to any unidentified flying objects," Captain Quyet added.

Phan Kieu Hung believes that raising public awareness is crucial, so residents near the airport and along flight paths understand the consequences and avoid violations. Da Nang International Airport has produced an educational video and requested local authorities to distribute it widely.

Furthermore, authorities need to strictly control and license the use of lasers, high-intensity lights, and flying objects; impose stringent penalties for violations as a deterrent; control the import and sale of high-powered lasers, especially those of unknown origin; and prohibit or restrict sales for non-professional purposes, such as high-powered lasers to individuals. Police also need to patrol areas with a history of laser incidents and airspace intrusions to ensure timely detection and response.

"We recommend that authorities consult with aviation regulators when issuing permits for construction, sports events, and artistic performances that involve drones or high-intensity lights to ensure flight safety," Hung added.

Noi Bai International Airport representatives propose that specialized departments manage, license, inspect, and control the use of high-intensity lasers and lights, and the release of flying objects that could affect flight operations. To detect violations, airport personnel will increase patrols, especially during peak kite-flying times: 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Doan Loan - Nguyen Dong - Le Tan