The operator of Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi detected two cases of foreign object intrusion in September, which could pose security and safety threats to the airport, a report from Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport stated.

The first case was detected on September 14 at the east end of the airport, while the second was reported on September 29 at the west end, located near Dien Xa Village of Soc Son District.

Officers spotted flying objects, which were suspected to be unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), during both instances, classified as foreign objects and posing a direct threat to the safety of commercial flights at Noi Bai. 

The detection prompted relevant bodies and aviation authorities to work with Noi Bai Airport Police Station, as well as police units and military forces of Hanoi, to implement checkups and searches, but they have found none of the suspected objects so far. 

In the meantime, the airport has reported no damage following the intrusions. 

The use of unregistered UAVs and lightweight flying machines in Noi Bai is a violation of aviation security and safety, the Ministry of Transport stressed.

The ministry urged the Hanoi People’s Committee, the municipal air defense forces, and police units to clear the case and implement preventive measures to curb similar happenings in the future and ensure safety for the Noi Bai airport -- a facility of significance in national security. 

The transport authority also asked aviation operators to provide investigating units with relevant information to inspect the case, as well as devise preventive measures to detect UAV intrusions in domestic airports. 

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