Safety risks from kite flying and “foreign objects” at the airport

Recently, many serious incidents related to aviation security have occurred at airports across the country such as: kites appearing near the runway at Noi Bai, lasers in Da Nang, or most recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) disrupting flight operations at Tho Xuan airport.

This has caused authorities to focus on promptly coming up with solutions to ensure aviation security.

Kite flying incidents increase at Noi Bai airport area

Statistics show that at Noi Bai International Airport, the number of kite flying incidents in the vicinity of the airport has recently increased. In less than the first 6 months of 2025, the number of violations due to kite flying increased by about 11.1% compared to the whole year of 2024. Most recently, at 2:56 p.m. on June 10, the crew of flight AXM512 on the Kuala Lumpur- Hanoi route discovered 3 kites flying in the area near the beginning of runway 11L/29R when the plane was approaching and landing at Noi Bai International Airport. Immediately after receiving information from the flight crew via the Air Traffic Control Tower, the Noi Bai International Airport Emergency Command Center urgently notified the relevant authorities for timely handling.

Noi Bai International Airport said it will increase patrol and control measures to ensure safety in the flight area.

Noi Bai Police Station coordinated with the communes near the east end of the runway and the aviation security force to immediately conduct a field inspection. In Bac Gia village (Phu Lo commune, Soc Son district), the authorities discovered 4 children flying kites. The authorities confiscated 3 kites, the children and their guardians were reminded and a record was made, and propaganda was made to raise awareness of compliance with regulations on aviation safety corridors. Ms. Doan Thi Lan Huong, Deputy Head of the Safety and Quality Control Department (Noi Bai International Airport) said: "Just a small kite, if it collides with the wing or engine of the aircraft, can cause serious consequences. The landing phase is the most sensitive time, any strange flying object has a high potential risk".

In Da Nang, on June 13, 14, and 15, due to drones appearing and invading the airport area, 4 flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Tho Xuan had to change direction and land at Noi Bai airport, causing 3 flights from Tho Xuan airport to Ho Chi Minh City to be unable to take off. At one point, Tho Xuan airport had to close for up to 12 hours to ensure aviation security and safety.

According to aviation experts, when balloons, kites or drones move into the airport area, it will obstruct the pilot's vision, making it difficult to observe the runway and other aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing, when the aircraft is operating at low altitude and slow speed. In case a large drone or kite is sucked into the aircraft engine or collides with the wing, it can cause serious damage to the engine, propeller or other parts of the aircraft, even causing an accident. In addition, drones can create air turbulence, causing the aircraft to shake and become unstable.

The aviation expert further emphasized that current law stipulates that users of unmanned aerial vehicles within 15km of an airport must be licensed by the Operations Department of the General Staff ( Ministry of National Defense ) before operating. However, in reality, many people still find ways to "illegally fly" unmanned aerial vehicles near airports, causing headaches for airports and aviation management agencies, while airlines have had to "hurt their wallets" many times because they had to change landing routes, causing economic losses; and passengers are upset because they are affected.

"Dissecting" the cause and providing many solutions

Ms. Doan Thi Lan Huong, Deputy Head of the Safety and Quality Control Department, added that the port is actively implementing preventive solutions and coordinating handling when situations arise.

Specifically, announce the areas affected by laser lights and high-intensity lighting equipment. Unify the information, notification and coordination process when situations (such as kites, balloons, sky lanterns, UAVs, straw burning, lasers, etc.) occur. Disseminate and popularize regulations on aviation safety and security, the harmful effects of flying objects, kites, sky lanterns, UAVs, laser lights/high-power lights that threaten flight safety. Send documents to local authorities and specialized agencies with recommendations and recommendations for the above situations. Coordinate with the Northern Airport Authority, local authorities, police and military forces in the Port area to handle violations.

Not only giving a solution, Ms. Doan Thi Lan Huong also informed that according to statistics, the number of kite flying incidents in the summer tends to increase compared to other seasons. On the other hand, part of the reason is that people have not been informed and updated about regulations, leading to limited awareness of the harmful effects of releasing flying objects in the area near the airport. Furthermore, the management and licensing of UAVs are not yet strict.

Noi Bai International Airport also recommends: Organizing propaganda and raising awareness for organizations and individuals about the harmful effects of laser/high-intensity light and dropping flying objects that threaten flight safety; Specialized departments manage, license, inspect and strictly control the use of laser/high-intensity light and dropping flying objects within the range that affects flight operations at Noi Bai International Airport. Handling cases of using laser/high-intensity light and dropping flying objects without permission, violating airspace and threatening flight safety according to the provisions of law.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Giao-thong/nguy-co-mat-an-toan-do-tha-dieu-va-vat-the-la-o-san-bay-i772036/