According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), repeated drone incursions are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to control and pose a serious threat to civil aviation safety at Tho Xuan Airport.
Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa (Photo by Tran Le)
CAAV have urged Tho Xuan Airport to urgently strengthen coordination between air traffic control, aviation security forces, the military, and relevant agencies to ensure a prompt response to any unauthorised drone activity detected in the airport's vicinity.
The CAAV has also directed the Northern Airports Authority to investigate the unauthorised drone operations June on 13 and 14 and submit a report for further review. It also called for joint patrols with local authorities to monitor nearby residential areas and strictly enforce penalties for airspace violations near airports.
In response to the CAAV's directive, the Northern Airports Authority convened an emergency meeting to address the incident and discuss immediate response measures.
Operating unmanned aircraft or ultralight vehicles without authorisation can result in fines of VND 20-30 million (approximately USD 790-1,180). Violations that obstruct or endanger other aircraft may also result in fines of VND 30-40 million (USD 1,180-1,570). Offenders may also have their equipment confiscated.
Mai Xuan Liem, Vice Chairman of the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee, said local authorities had instructed agencies to raise public awareness and encourage residents living near the airport to comply with aviation safety regulations.
