Vietnam tightens flight safety measures amidst aircraft incidents worldwide

The CAAV on December 30 issued a directive to strengthen aviation safety measures, referencing recent international aviation accidents with severe human losses, including the B737-800 aircraft crash of Jeju Air on December 29 in the Republic of Korea, resulting in 179 fatalities out of 181 people onboard, and the E190 aircraft crash of Azerbaijan Airlines on December 25in Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities out of 67 people onboard.

To ensure absolute safety, particularly during the high-density aviation operations of the Lunar New Year, the CAAV requested airlines to strictly comply with operating procedures.

Accordingly, aircraft operators must ensure that pilots strictly adhere to policies, regulations, and standard operating procedures, especially under adverse weather conditions or complex situations. Pilots are required to comply with CAAV safety directives and promptly communicate with air traffic control for support when needed to ensure flight safety.

All flight plans and routes must avoid high-risk airspace zones due to armed conflicts, ensuring safe journeys. Operators must closely monitor weather developments and adjust schedules or plans to minimize risks caused by adverse weather conditions.

The CAAV held that training in simulators must focus on scenarios involving landings under adverse or sudden weather conditions, including wind shear, gusts, and crosswinds. Emphasis must be placed on crosswind handling, centerline landings, and mental readiness for go-arounds if conditions are unfavorable.

The authority also asked aircraft operators to implement flight data analysis programmes effectively to identify and address potential safety threats. They asked for investigations to determine root causes of unstable approaches and propose measures to reduce their frequency, in line with aviation safety performance indicators.

With regard to aircraft maintenance, maintenance personnel must strictly adhere to maintenance manuals, safety protocols, and inspection procedures before authorizing aircraft for operation. Operators and maintenance organizations must follow manufacturers' guidelines and ensure that only airworthy aircraft are flown. Internal audits and safety checks should promptly detect and rectify system deficiencies.

For international operators, they were required to ensure pilots thoroughly prepare for flights, including reviewing meteorological information and studying airports, routes, and procedures in Vietnam. Pilots must strictly adhere to air traffic control instructions and ensure maintenance personnel comply with all safety protocols during flights to and from Vietnam.

For the Vietnam Air Traffic Management corporation (VATM), the CAAV requested air traffic controllers to adhere to standard operating procedures, monitor weather updates, and detect and address potential safety threats during operations. Effective communication and support must be provided to flight crews to mitigate risks.

It asked the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to strengthen efforts to ensure safety within airport areas by carrying out regular inspections and removal of foreign objects from airport zones; proactively deterring birds and preventing domestic animals from entering airfield areas; monitoring and promptly addressing activities such as laser pointing, unauthorized use of flycams, drones, and kite flying near airport premises, which could compromise aviation safety.

Airports were required to review and enhance inspections and supervision to ensure that emergency response protocols, teams, and equipment remain in a state of full readiness. All emergency measures should be prepared to activate at the highest alert level to handle any contingencies within the airport area effectively.

During the Lunar New Year holiday period in Vietnam, the demand for air travel increases significantly. Many people working or studying far from home return and reunite with their families during the holiday.

Major domestic airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines typically increase flight frequencies or add extra special flights on popular routes like Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi – Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang. There is also an increase in the number of flights to international tourist destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

The lunar New Year holiday is not only the busiest time of the year for the aviation industry but also requires close coordination between airlines, airports, and regulatory agencies to ensure safety and convenience for passengers.