According to a Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) official, the airport control tower at Cat Bi recorded a UAV approximately 8 km from the touchdown point of flight VJC280, at an altitude of 300 m, moving across its flight path. Concurrently, on the afternoon of 15/3, the crew of flight HVN1180 reported observing a strange glowing object in the landing approach area.

The UAV incident impacted six flights operating to and from Cat Bi airport. Four inbound flights: HVN1186, VJC282, HVN1518, and HVN1188, were forced to hold before diverting to Noi Bai. Additionally, two other flights experienced delays awaiting departure from Cat Bi.

Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong). Photo: HPH

Flight operations at Cat Bi International Airport resumed only in the early morning of 16/3, after the area was confirmed safe.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam stated it is coordinating with Hai Phong authorities to review and address the issue, aiming to prevent UAVs from entering flight areas and compromising aviation safety.

This incident follows previous disruptions: on 17/2 and 22/2, drone intrusions into the flight safety corridor at Da Nang International Airport delayed 54 flights. Furthermore, from 13-15/6/2025, Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa temporarily ceased operations and diverted multiple flights due to UAVs appearing in its flight zone during the evening.

The Law on People's Air Defense strictly forbids operating UAVs, releasing balloons or kites, shining laser lights, or using high-power light sources within airport air safety corridors. Authorities urge individuals, organizations, and businesses to strictly adhere to these regulations and refrain from using drones in restricted flight areas.

Doan Loan