Hanoi (VNA) – In response to a series of incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intruding into airspace used for aircraft take-off, approach and landing near the Da Nang International Airport in the central city of Da Nang, the Ministry of Construction has issued an urgent directive to prevent UAVs and similar devices from endangering aviation security and safety at airports nationwide.
The ministry requested the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and provincial and municipal steering committees for counter-terrorism to strengthen the management, inspection and supervision of UAVs and other aerial devices, ensuring strict compliance with Decree No. 288/2025/ND-CP and relevant legal regulations.
Specifically, the counter-terrorism steering committee of Da Nang was tasked with directing local police and military forces to conduct comprehensive reviews and establish a standing inter-agency coordination mechanism involving police, military and civil aviation units. This mechanism aims to enhance monitoring, early warning and timely response to emerging situations, with clear designation of responsible focal points.
Authorities were also instructed to intensify surveillance, inspections and strict handling of violations in accordance with the law, while considering the application of remote countermeasures against UAVs illegally entering restricted airspace. At the same time, public communication and warnings are to be stepped up, particularly in residential areas surrounding airports, to raise awareness of the risks, legal consequences and penalties associated with acts that threaten aviation safety, as well as regulations governing the use of UAVs and other flying devices.
Earlier reports by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) showed that from September 2025 to February 2026, multiple cases of UAVs unlawfully entering airspace near the Da Nang International Airport were recorded. These devices were detected at distances of 3–12 nautical miles and altitudes of approximately 1,000–3,800 feet, posing a serious risk of collision with aircraft.
Notably, on February 17, 2026 (the first day of the Lunar New Year), two UAV incidents forced 17 flights to circle in holding patterns, one flight to divert to an alternate airport and 15 departures to be delayed. A further two incidents on February 22 resulted in 18 flights holding, four diversions and 14 delayed departures. In total, more than 50 flights were affected, causing operational disruptions, significant economic losses and posing a serious threat to flight safety during the peak travel period.
The aviation sector has reiterated its warning that UAVs and flycams must not be operated in or near airport areas without proper authorisation. Even a brief violation can place hundreds of passengers at risk, inflict heavy losses on airlines and travellers, and expose offenders to severe administrative penalties or criminal liability, depending on the seriousness of the offence./.
Vietnam tightens aviation safety, security amidst growth
The PM highlighted that competent sides must never trade aviation safety and security for any reason, stating no violation is minor and even small errors could habour the potential for catastrophic accidents.
