On 16/10, authorities and police in wards and communes bordering the airport installed warning signs prohibiting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), flycams, and ultra-light aircraft in the vicinity of Da Nang International Airport and Chu Lai Airport. In Thanh Khe ward, located in the city center, officials identified 7 locations for these new prohibition signs.

Residents and tourists can scan the QR codes on the signs to access a list of strictly prohibited activities. These include flying kites, balloons, or sky lanterns; operating aircraft without permission, outside designated coordinates, or beyond permitted limits; flying when the aircraft or operator is not qualified; unauthorized aerial filming or photography; and failing to comply with surveillance commands.

Prohibition sign placed at 29/3 Park. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Depending on the severity of the violation, operators of these devices face administrative fines ranging from 2 to 40 million VND. If such actions obstruct air traffic and result in damage to people or property, offenders may face criminal prosecution under Article 278 of the Penal Code, with penalties reaching up to 15 years imprisonment.

This strict enforcement follows a series of recurring flight safety incidents at Da Nang International Airport. During the Lunar New Year 2026 holiday, 83 flights to and from the airport were affected due to unauthorized UAV intrusions.

In response to these incidents, Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee, Nguyen Manh Hung, directed the Department of Construction, the Military Command, and local authorities to review boundary markers. Their task is to complete the installation of all warning signs by 20/10. The city police are spearheading the development of rapid response plans for UAVs detected entering flight funnels or critical targets, while also tracking and strictly penalizing violators.

No-fly zone in Da Nang urban area (red) and restricted flight zone (yellow), as announced by the Ministry of National Defense's e-portal.

In parallel with establishing this warning perimeter, local military and police forces are conducting a comprehensive review and inventory of all individuals and businesses that own, repair, or sell UAVs in the area. These entities are required to sign commitments to avoid violating no-fly zones and to adhere to licensing procedures. Retail outlets selling such equipment are also subject to stricter checks on product origin to prevent smuggled goods and must inform customers about no-fly zone regulations.

The city is also distributing multi-language informational materials at accommodations and tourist destinations popular with international visitors. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious flying devices observed near the airport immediately to their local police ward or the Da Nang International Airport Border Police for prompt intervention.

Nguyen Dong