Inside the aircraft, passengers waited for nearly three hours (Photo: Thu Phuong).
Vietnam Airlines said on the evening of August 11 that flights to and from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City might have to circle or land at alternative airports after a UAV was detected near the airport, potentially disrupting the schedules of some services.
"Vietnam Airlines sincerely regrets any changes to flight operations and asks passengers for their understanding in this unforeseen situation. The entire Vietnam Airlines operation is making every effort to restore stable flight schedules as soon as possible, while ensuring flight safety and providing passengers with the best possible service," the airline said in a statement.
Vietnam Airlines advised passengers to check for updates and contact its 24/7 hotline on 1900 1100, official Facebook fan page or Zalo account for assistance. Passengers can also contact official Vietnam Airlines ticket offices and agents for the latest information on flight status and schedules.
Vietjet also confirmed that some flights to and from Tan Son Nhat had to change their operating plans, circle or divert to alternative airports after a drone was detected near the airport.
The airline said the adjustments were made to ensure passenger safety. Other flights scheduled for the evening of August 11 could also be affected by knock-on disruptions.
Vietjet advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport through the airline's website, Vietjet Air app or hotline, or to contact airline staff at the airport if they need assistance. The airline also asked passengers to monitor the latest updates via email, SMS and Vietjet's official information channels.
On the evening of August 11, an incident at Tan Son Nhat Airport prevented several flights from approaching for landing, with some diverted to alternative airports.
A member of the airport's air traffic control team told Dantri that pilots had reported spotting a UAV near the airport's airspace.
A senior official at Southern Air Traffic Management Corporation said take-offs and landings resumed at 8.30 pm after authorities determined that the UAV was no longer active in the area.
The official said this was the first time a UAV had entered the restricted airspace around Tan Son Nhat Airport. Air traffic controllers immediately activated the prescribed response procedures, including suspending all aircraft take-offs and landings.