The Southern Air Traffic Management Company, under the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), said on August 14 that Tan Son Nhat's control tower received a report of a suspected unmanned aerial vehicle at about 7.40 pm on August 13.
An illuminated kite was spotted on the evening of August 13 (Photo: VATM).
Air traffic controllers immediately coordinated with relevant agencies to verify the report. Operations at Tan Son Nhat were closely monitored, with flight safety given the highest priority.
At 8.02 pm, further information about the flying object was received. Given the potential risk to aircraft operations, the Southern Airports Authority ordered a temporary suspension of take-offs and landings while the situation was assessed.
Aircraft approaching Tan Son Nhat were instructed to enter holding patterns, while flights preparing to depart were delayed. At least 21 flights were affected, including one that was diverted to Cam Ranh airport.
Take-offs and landings resumed about 13 minutes later after authorities determined that the objects were three kites fitted with lights. Local authorities located the kites and took action in accordance with regulations.
The incident was the second disruption involving an airborne object at Tan Son Nhat within three days.
On the evening of August 11, the airport twice suspended take-offs and landings after an unmanned aerial vehicle was detected. More than 70 flights were affected, while three aircraft were forced to make emergency landings because they were running low on fuel.
VATM has warned that kites, drones, camera-equipped unmanned aircraft and other objects capable of affecting aviation operations must be used in accordance with regulations and must never be flown in areas where they could threaten flight safety.
Tan Son Nhat is Vietnam's busiest airport and is located in a densely populated urban area. Raising public awareness of aviation safety is therefore particularly important, VATM said.