Northern aviation operates stably despite bad weather

VTV.vn - Northern airports still maintain safe operations in bad weather due to the influence of storm No. 11.

Despite the heavy rains and reduced visibility caused by storm No. 11, airports in the Northern region still maintained safe and stable operations. Proactive prevention and flexible response have helped the aviation industry in this region overcome weather challenges, ensuring absolute safety for passengers and property.

According to information from the Northern Airports Authority, as of 3 p.m. on October 7, storm No. 11 has not caused any serious damage to airports in the region. Most operations are still operating normally, with only a few minor adjustments due to bad weather.

Proactive response, ensuring safe exploitation

Faced with the complex developments of the storm and its circulation, the Northern Airports Authority has promptly and synchronously deployed prevention and control measures under the close direction of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. This work is given top priority to ensure absolute safety.

Northern aviation activities took place normally on October 7.

Units at the airport have actively monitored the situation closely and maintained a 24/7 on-duty force. The inspection and reinforcement of ground works and service facilities have also been stepped up. Passenger terminals, stations, technical equipment and drainage systems at the airports have all been checked and are operating stably. Maintaining communication and regularly updating the storm situation helps units proactively respond and be ready to minimize any damage if the weather continues to worsen.

Airports such as Van Don, Cat Bi, Dien Bien , Dong Hoi and Tho Xuan still recorded smooth flight operations.

Noi Bai International Airport on October 7, at some times in the morning, this airport can only receive 5 planes/hour.

However, at Noi Bai International Airport, a flight adjustment case was recorded on the morning of October 7. Flight VJ518 from Da Nang to Hanoi was forced to divert to land at Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong). The reason was that the weather conditions at Noi Bai did not ensure safe operations, with visibility sharply reduced to only 1,500 - 5,000m, accompanied by showers and thunderstorms. This diversion decision is a testament to the safety-first principle of airlines. After refueling at Cat Bi, the flight took off again and landed safely at Noi Bai at 9:43.

Meanwhile, Vinh airport is still temporarily suspended as planned to serve the project of constructing and upgrading the runway and aircraft parking lot.

Big challenges from extreme weather

According to airlines, the extreme weather in recent months has been a major challenge for the domestic aviation industry. This situation has directly affected the on-time performance (OTP) rate and forced airlines to maintain high flexibility, putting safety as the number one priority in all operational decisions.

In particular, in late September and early October 2025, many airports in the Northern and North Central regions witnessed prolonged heavy rain due to the influence of storm circulation.

At Noi Bai, heavy rain, wind shear and visibility sometimes reduced to less than 1km forced a series of flights to circle or divert to land at neighboring airports.

According to preliminary statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, in the first 9 months of 2025, the domestic aviation industry operated a total of 210,341 flights. Notably, 1,380 flights were canceled, equivalent to a rate of 0.7%. On September 30 alone, bad weather conditions caused 194 flight delays and 34 flights had to be diverted, clearly showing the great impact of natural disasters on flight operations.

Despite facing significant challenges, the proactive and professional work in storm and flood prevention has helped the Northern aviation industry continue to affirm its ability to maintain safe and stable operations, best protecting the rights and safety of passengers.

Source: https://vtv.vn/hang-khong-mien-bac-hoat-dong-on-dinh-truoc-thoi-tiet-xau-100251008142352713.htm