The flight crew of Vietnam Airlines flight VN1650, operating the Tuy Hoa–Hanoi route, reported seeing a kite in the sky just as the aircraft was preparing to land.

According to representatives from Noi Bai International Airport, the incident occurred at 4:15 p.m. on March 30.

The pilot observed the kite at an altitude of approximately 500 feet (around 1,500 meters), only about 1.5 nautical miles (nearly 3 kilometers) from the runway threshold of Noi Bai International Airport.

Upon receiving the report from the flight crew, the air traffic control tower immediately alerted relevant authorities to handle the situation swiftly and ensure absolute safety for air traffic. Fortunately, flight VN1650 landed safely without incident.

This is not the first time a potentially dangerous flying object has been detected near the airport's airspace. According to data from Noi Bai International Airport, there have been nine incidents in 2024 involving kites, balloons, and other airborne objects near the airport - posing significant risks to takeoff and landing operations.

Aviation experts warn that even a small kite, if it collides with a plane’s wing or engine, could lead to serious consequences, especially during the landing phase - widely considered one of the most critical stages for flight safety.

According to Clause 1, Article 21 of Decree No. 123/2021/ND-CP issued on December 28, 2021, on administrative penalties in maritime, road, rail, and civil aviation transport: releasing devices or objects into the air that may affect flight operations can result in fines ranging from VND 3 million to 5 million (approximately USD 120–200).

In addition, Article 7 of Government Decree 144/2021 states that flying kites near airport perimeters may result in administrative penalties ranging from VND 1 million to 2 million (USD 40–80), and violators may also have their equipment confiscated.

A representative from Noi Bai Airport further clarified that aviation safety corridors span an 8-kilometer radius from the airport’s reference point. Within this zone, strict monitoring is enforced to prevent any activities that may disrupt aviation safety, including kite flying, balloon releases, flycam usage, and the launching of sky lanterns.

Following this latest incident, Noi Bai International Airport strongly urges residents living near the airport to avoid flying kites, balloons, or any objects within the flight safety zone. This is not only a legal requirement but also a community responsibility in ensuring the safety of every flight.

N. Huyen