According to a report from the control tower, while the flight VJC280 was approaching for landing, the crew detected an object believed to be a drone about 8 km from the runway threshold at an altitude of approximately 300 metres. The object reportedly crossed the aircraft’s approach path and passed about 60 metres beneath the plane.

At around the same time, the crew of flight HVN1180 also confirmed that they had earlier observed a glowing unidentified object in the approach area.

Upon receiving the reports, the control tower alerted the runway safety team and the Hanoi Area Control Centre (ACC) to implement response measures. Aircraft en route to Cat Bi were instructed to reduce speed while the situation was assessed.

Several flights, including HVN1186, VJC282, HVN1518 and HVN1188, were later diverted to Noi Bai International Airport after entering holding patterns, while other aircraft remained on the ground awaiting departure clearance.

Authorities deployed personnel to inspect the surrounding area but detected no further drone activity. After several hours of monitoring and verification, flight operations at Cat Bi International Airport were only allowed to resume normally at 00:35 the following morning, once the area was confirmed safe.

The incident once again raises alarm over the presence of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intruding into aviation zones, posing potential threats to flight safety and security.

Earlier, between September 2025 and February 2026, multiple UAV sightings were also recorded near Da Nang International Airport, appearing along flight paths at distances of 3–12 nautical miles and altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,800 feet.

These incidents forced numerous flights to hold, temporarily suspend operations, adjust take-off and landing routes or divert to alternate airports, causing operational disruptions, significant economic losses and extremely dangerous collision risks for aircraft.

Aviation experts warn that operating drones near airports without authorisation is an extremely dangerous act and a serious violation of aviation safety regulations, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences if a collision with an aircraft were to occur.

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

In response to a series of incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intruding into airspace used for aircraft take-off, approach and landing, the Ministry of Construction has issued an urgent directive to prevent UAVs and similar devices from endangering aviation security and safety at airports nationwide.