Authorities in Vietnam are investigating two drone incursions that caused significant disruption at Da Nang International Airport during the busy Lunar New Year holiday, leading to delays affecting more than 50 flights.
According to the Thanh Nien newspaper, two incidents last week forced flights into holding patterns or delayed take-offs after unauthorised drones were detected flying near aircraft. It remains unclear who operated the drones or how close they came to active flight paths.
Airport authorities reported that a total of 54 flights were delayed due to the incursions, Thanh Nien said.
Officials at the airport did not respond to requests for comment from AFP.
Strict ban on drones around Vietnamese airports
Vietnam prohibits the private use of unmanned aerial vehicles and high-intensity lighting near airports, a regulation intended to protect aircraft operating in congested and sensitive airspace.
Danang serves as the principal aviation hub for central Vietnam and handles more than 300 flights per day during peak holiday travel, Thanh Nien reported. The drone disruptions struck during one of the busiest periods of the year, heightening operational pressure on the airport.