More than 50 flights had to fly waiting in the air, many other flights had to divert to alternate airports. Thousands of passengers had their travel plans disrupted. Airlines' operating schedules were disrupted, affecting many airports across the country.
The damage is not small, but economic damage is still not the most worrying thing.
The major threat is aviation safety.
A UAV can weigh only a few hundred grams or a few kilograms, but if it appears on the runway of a commercial aircraft, the consequences can be very serious.
Therefore, as soon as UAVs are detected in the operating area, the air traffic control agency is forced to temporarily suspend operations to ensure absolute safety.
There is no other choice, the safety of hundreds of passengers on each flight must be put first.
It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time Vietnamese airports have been threatened by UAVs. Previously, Da Nang, Noi Bai, and Cat Bi airports had repeatedly recorded the situation of flycams and drones entering the operating airspace.
Each time, the flight control agency must deploy emergency measures, organize aircraft to fly around waiting or adjust the operating plan.
UAV operators may assume that the use of the device is only for entertainment, filming, photography or testing purposes.
But for the aviation industry, an unmanned aerial vehicle that appears threatening flight safety is enough to create a domino effect throughout the system. A flight delay leads to many flight delays, passengers missing work, missing connecting flights. Airlines incur fuel, human resources and operating costs. Airports are under operating pressure, ground service units have to adjust plans.
Looking at the incident at Tan Son Nhat, it can be seen that the flight control force reacted quickly, handled professionally and coordinated effectively to minimize chain reaction effects.
However, what public opinion is concerned about at this time is to quickly identify the UAV operator to strictly handle according to the provisions of law.
Because this is not only an act of violating regulations on airspace management, but also an act that directly threatens national aviation security and safety.
A country with a developed aviation system cannot allow key international airports to be continuously invaded by UAVs. If not strictly handled, the risk of recurrence is very high.
The law has clearly stipulated no-fly zones and flight restrictions for UAVs and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The remaining issue is to quickly detect and handle according to regulations to increase deterrence and prevent other cases.
