A series of unauthorized drone sightings disrupted multiple flights at Da Nang International Airport during the peak travel period of Tet 2026, forcing aircraft to hold, delay departures, or divert to alternate airports.

The Ministry of Construction has sent an official document to the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and People’s Committees of provinces and cities with airports, requesting stronger measures to prevent unmanned aerial devices from threatening aviation security and safety.

According to a report by the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority, from September 2025 to February 2026, numerous drone incursions were recorded in areas adjacent to Da Nang International Airport. The devices were detected at distances of 3 to 12 nautical miles and at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,800 feet - overlapping with aircraft takeoff and landing paths.

Their presence forced several flights to enter holding patterns, temporarily suspend operations, alter departure and landing procedures, or divert to alternate airports. The disruptions affected operational chains, caused economic losses, and posed potential collision risks, directly threatening civil aviation safety and security.

The incidents notably surged during the Tet holiday. On February 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year, two drone incidents were recorded near the airport, resulting in 17 flights entering holding patterns, one flight diverting, and 15 departures being delayed.

On February 22, the sixth day of Tet, unidentified flying objects suspected to be drones or balloons were again detected, causing 18 flights to hold, including four that diverted to alternate airports.

The Ministry of Construction said the situation highlights shortcomings in controlling unmanned aerial devices near airport areas, posing ongoing risks to aviation safety and security.

To proactively prevent further incidents, the ministry urged relevant authorities to intensify management, inspection, and monitoring of drone activities. Violations, it stressed, must be detected and handled strictly.

In Da Nang, police and military forces have been requested to coordinate with aviation units to enhance surveillance, provide early warnings, and promptly address emerging situations.

Vu Diep