Since the beginning of 2024, Noi Bai Airport has recorded 48 incidents threatening flight safety, including 4 cases of straw burning, 12 instances of kite or balloon flying, and 16 bird strikes involving aircraft.

A representative from Noi Bai International Airport stated that thanks to increased efforts to raise public awareness about aviation safety laws among residents of neighboring communes, incidents like straw burning, kite flying, and laser pointing have decreased year after year.

As of the end of September 2024, statistics showed a total of 48 incidents posing a risk to aviation safety. These included 4 cases of straw burning, 12 instances of kite or balloon flying, 4 cases of foreign objects in the air, 8 instances of laser pointing, 16 bird strikes, and 4 cases of animals entering the airfield. The number of incidents decreased by 46% compared to 2022 and continued to drop by 53% compared to 2023.

Nguyen Phi Hung, a safety expert at Noi Bai International Airport, explained during a training session for nearby residents that the Vietnam Civil Aviation Law, along with Decree No. 5, No. 162 of 2018, and Decree No. 45 of 2022, clearly outline actions that threaten aviation safety:

Actions like straw burning or laser pointing can reduce pilots' visibility. A small mistake due to a moment of distraction can force the aircraft to make an emergency landing, turn around, or even cause a serious accident, endangering the lives of hundreds of passengers.

Activities that pose a risk of mid-air collisions, such as flying kites, releasing sky lanterns, or constructing unauthorized buildings near the airport, also pose significant threats. These actions can potentially lead to collisions with aircraft.

Additionally, actions that pose ground-level risks, such as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/Drones) or flycams, or allowing livestock to enter the airfield, can result in collisions with aircraft during takeoff, landing, or taxiing on the runway.

Acts like burning trash near airport facilities or stealing airport equipment can damage critical infrastructure, affecting airport operations.

"Violating these laws can lead to severe penalties. For example, a fine of 30 to 40 million VND can be imposed for using a laser pointer in or around the airport, which disrupts the takeoff, landing, or movement of aircraft," Mr. Hung explained.

Experts noted that, theoretically, large planes can continue flying after colliding with birds weighing up to 2kg. However, in many cases, birds can get sucked into the engines, breaking the fan blades.

Once the fan blades break and are drawn deeper into the engine, they can damage other internal components. The greater the speed difference between the aircraft and the bird, the more severe the impact. A flock of birds is even more dangerous if they strike the aircraft multiple times.

Therefore, airports are required to maintain bird control measures, as outlined in the wildlife and bird control manual. Preventative measures include eliminating food sources for birds, dredging and mowing airfield areas, and clearing drainage ditches to minimize bird presence.

N. Huyen