According to the airport operator, officials identified the object as a traditional whistle kite flown by a resident in Tien Lap Hamlet, An Khanh Commune in Haiphong City at around 8.57 pm on March 15.
The kite measured about 260cm by 100cm and was equipped with 14 bamboo whistles and multicoloured flashing lights. It was flying at an altitude of roughly 400 metres with a string estimated at about 900 metres long.
Authorities later located the object, confiscated it and recorded the violation for further handling under regulations.
A corner of Cat Bi International Airport (Photo: Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority).
The incident forced four incoming flights to circle while waiting for clearance before eventually diverting to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on the evening of March 15. Two other flights scheduled to depart from Cat Bi were delayed during the disruption.
During the incident, Cat Bi Airport coordinated with airlines and relevant units to assist passengers, including making public announcements, providing meals and drinks and arranging alternative travel plans.
After the flying object was removed and the situation verified, the airport announced that runway operations had returned to normal and flights resumed as scheduled.
By 12.30 am on March 16, operations at the airport had fully recovered and were running safely.
Airport authorities warned residents not to fly kites, drones, flycams or other aerial objects near airports, especially within flight corridors, as they pose serious risks to aviation safety and may disrupt flight operations.
Officials said they will continue working with local authorities to strengthen public awareness and enforce regulations to ensure the safety of air transport operations.
