Kites near Hanoi airport disrupt flights, similar to drone incident day before

Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport experienced disruptions on Saturday morning when kites were spotted near the runway, causing delays to multiple flights. A Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Incheon, South Korea, and a Vietjet flight heading to Pleiku were among those that reported seeing kites shortly after takeoff.

Air traffic control at Noi Bai was immediately notified, and authorities temporarily suspended departures to ensure safety. The airport's approach control center coordinated with the air traffic control tower and other relevant departments. Aircraft that were preparing for takeoff had to halt, with some waiting on the taxiway and others on the runway itself.

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Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew reported observing a kite being flown near the airport area.

After a period of observation confirmed the area was clear of airborne objects, flight operations resumed. In total, seven flights were affected by the kite sightings, with some experiencing delays of up to 25 minutes. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about aerial safety near the airport.

Just the day before, on June 6, a drone sighting near Noi Bai International Airport forced the suspension of 16 flights. Airport authorities have been working with local governments to raise awareness about regulations concerning drones and other flying objects. Despite these efforts, the recurrence of such incidents highlights persistent challenges in preventing unauthorized aerial activities near the airport.

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Immediately after receiving information from the flight crew, the Noi Bai Approach Center informed the Noi Bai Air Traffic Control Tower.