# Tan Son Nhat Airport airspace security incidents

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tan-son-nhat-airport-airspace-security-incidents
> Updated: 2026-08-28T06:18:00.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 5.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City has faced multiple operational disruptions due to unauthorized objects in the airspace.

On August 11, the airport suspended takeoff and landing operations twice following multiple drone sightings at various altitudes, including sightings near flights VJ601 and 3S621. These incidents affected between 56 and 100 flights, forcing several aircraft to enter holding patterns or divert to alternate airports such as Can Tho and Cam Ranh.

On August 13, between 20:20 and 20:30, air traffic control implemented a ground stop after detecting unidentified flying objects. Authorities identified the objects as three large kites equipped with flashing lights and flutes, spotted at an altitude exceeding 300 to 400 meters near the Tay Thanh ward area and Tan Binh Industrial Park. This incident affected approximately 21 flights, including flight EK392 from Dubai.

In response to the incursions, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc directed various ministries to strengthen the management and monitoring of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Vietnam Airlines reported losses of approximately 5.6 billion VND and disruptions affecting over 9,000 passengers. The Ministry of Public Security is leading the probe, while the Ministry of National Defence will coordinate to enhance UAV management. Authorities aim to have all domestic drones digitally identified and monitored in real-time by 2030.

Following the investigation into the August 13 kite incident, Ho Chi Minh City police have prosecuted and detained 42-year-old Than Van Tan for ‘obstructing air traffic’ under Clause 2, Article 278 of the Penal Code. Investigations revealed that Tan flew multiple kites in areas designated as no-fly zones for unmanned aerial vehicles and ultra-light aircraft. Authorities located Tan in the Binh Hung Hoa ward before issuing the arrest warrant.

## Claims

- Tan Son Nhat International Airport detected flying objects in the takeoff and landing area on August 13. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The flying objects were identified as three large kites equipped with flashing lights and flutes. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Police summoned three individuals, Than Van Tan, Ta Van Chinh, and Tran Vo Hong Phat, for questioning. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Authorities are gathering evidence to prosecute the individuals involved according to regulations. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A total of 21 flights were affected during the period the kites were active. (single source)
- The kites were flown at an altitude exceeding 300 meters. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Vietnam authorities arrest multiple individuals for various crimes

Vietnamese authorities have arrested several individuals for various offenses, including cyber defamation in Can Tho, obstructing air traffic near Tan Son Nhat Airport, and food safety violations.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tan-son-nhat-airport-disruption-leads-to-arrest-of-kite-flyer

### 2026-08-16: Tan Son Nhat Airport drone incursions prompt government investigation

Unauthorized drone incursions at Tan Son Nhat Airport caused major flight disruptions and financial losses, prompting the Vietnamese government to mandate stricter UAV management and investigations.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-orders-investigation-into-drone-intrusion-at-tan-son-nhat-airport

### 2026-08-15: Tan Son Nhat Airport flight disruptions caused by kite flying

Ho Chi Minh City Police are investigating three individuals after large kites with flashing lights disrupted 21 flights near Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tan-son-nhat-airport-flight-disruptions-caused-by-kite-flying

### 2026-08-13: Tan Son Nhat Airport flights disrupted by kites with flashing lights

Flight operations at Tan Son Nhat International Airport were disrupted on August 13 after three kites with flashing lights were spotted near the airfield, forcing several flights to circle or delay.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tan-son-nhat-airport-flights-disrupted-by-kites-with-flashing-lights

### 2026-08-11: Tan Son Nhat Airport suspended operations twice due to drone sightings

Tan Son Nhat International Airport suspended operations twice on August 11 due to multiple drone sightings, affecting dozens of flights and forcing several diversions to alternate airports.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aviation-safety-why-flight-attendants-use-jump-seats

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Cite as: Tan Son Nhat Airport airspace security incidents. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tan-son-nhat-airport-airspace-security-incidents