Tan Son Nhat Airport drone incursions prompt government investigation

Unauthorized drone (UAV) incursions at Tan Son Nhat International Airport have caused significant aviation disruptions, including the temporary closure of the airport and the impact of 73 flights. Vietnam Airlines reported losses of approximately 5.6 billion VND and disruptions affecting over 9,000 passengers due to delays and schedule changes.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has directed various ministries to strengthen the management and monitoring of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Ministry of Public Security has been tasked with leading investigations to strictly handle violations involving UAVs and other objects that interfere with flight operations at airports.

The Ministry of National Defence will coordinate to enhance the management of domestic UAV research, design, and production. Authorities are also working to improve licensing for UAV operation and aim to have all domestic drones digitally identified and monitored in real-time by 2030. Additionally, there are plans to publicly announce no-fly zones for UAVs to prevent future security risks.