According to Vietnam Airports Corporation - JSC (ACV), on the evening of August 11, the detection of UAVs/drones near Tan Son Nhat International Airport forced the system to temporarily suspend takeoff and landing operations, affecting the schedule of dozens of flights and passengers in a chain reaction.
ACV said that a flycam or drone, although small, when appearing in the wrong place and at the wrong time, can become a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing.
ACV recommends that people absolutely do not use unmanned aerial vehicles in no-fly zones, restricted aerial zones and near airports. All flight activities must comply with legal regulations and must have a license from a competent authority.
According to current regulations, the act of performing flight operations with unmanned aerial vehicles or ultralight aircraft without a flight permit may be fined 20-30 million VND, and may also result in confiscation of exhibits and means of violation.
In case of using unmanned aerial vehicles or ultralight aircraft to obstruct or cause unsafety for other aircraft, a fine of 30-40 million VND may be imposed and the right to use the flight permit may be revoked for 3-6 months.
ACV requests people to raise awareness of law compliance, and the aviation industry to ensure security and safety of the airspace for all flights.
According to Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), 73 flights were directly affected during the time Tan Son Nhat airport temporarily stopped receiving aircraft.
Among more than 50 flights that had to fly on standby, 27 flights had to divert or land at alternate airports.
From situations related to UAVs in the airport area, VATM believes that strengthening information exchange between the flight crew, air traffic controllers and related forces plays an important role in detecting, verifying and quickly assessing risks to flight operations.
When receiving information about the UAV from the flight crew, the air traffic controller will assess the situation and organize appropriate operations. VATM also coordinates with Tan Son Nhat International Airport and functional forces to exchange information, verify and handle situations.
Flight operations can only be organized and operated again when safety conditions are ensured according to regulations.
In the long term, VATM will continue to review and improve the handling plan for situations related to UAVs; strengthen practical training for air traffic controllers to improve the ability to detect and assess risks and choose appropriate operating plans.
In addition to organizational and operational solutions, VATM will also coordinate and propose solutions to improve the capacity to detect and warn early UAVs, focusing on technology, equipment and response plans suitable to practical requirements.
