This number is enough to warn that UAVs are becoming a real threat to aviation safety.
At Tan Son Nhat, the risk is even more worrying when the airport is located in a densely populated urban area with a very high operating density. Just one small aircraft appearing in the wrong position and at the wrong time can force exploitation operations to change.
Reality has proven that on the evening of August 11, Tan Son Nhat had to temporarily suspend takeoff and landing twice due to the detection of UAVs in the operating area, affecting 73 flights.
In Da Nang, during the 2026 Lunar New Year, functional forces discovered 6 cases of UAVs operating illegally near the beginning of the runway, affecting more than 83 flights.
At Noi Bai and Cat Bi, in just two days, June 6 and 7, flying objects suspected of being UAVs and other aircraft continuously appeared, directly affecting operations, causing many flights to stop and wait.
Thus, this is not just a risk for Tan Son Nhat. UAVs are becoming a widespread aviation safety problem.
Even a small UAV can collide with an aircraft, causing damage, affecting the engine or causing the pilot to handle unexpected situations at takeoff and landing.
The government has issued a decree on the management of unmanned aerial vehicles and other aircraft. Regulations on no-fly zones and no-fly zones are not intended to make it difficult for UAV users, but to protect security, safety and human life.
The current issue is that the law must go faster than the UAVs flying in the sky.
For large airports, it is necessary to strengthen the early detection, warning and handling of illegal UAVs. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has also proposed investing in specialized equipment to detect, early warn and suppress UAVs when necessary.
Besides technology, it is the responsibility of local authorities. Residential areas located in no-fly zones and restricted air traffic zones must be regularly propagated, and cannot only be propagated after incidents occur.
Schools, technology clubs, UAV business stores, and event organizers also need to clearly disseminate regulations.
More importantly, cases of intentional violations must be strictly handled.
An illegal UAV operator may just think they are filming a video. But below that device may be hundreds of passengers waiting for a safe flight.
Don't wait until the UAV hits an aircraft to realize that a small device can have serious consequences.
