Large Kite with Siren Threatens Air Safety Near Tan Son Nhat Airport

Police in Ho Chi Minh City are urgently investigating a large kite equipped with flashing lights and a siren that was flown at an altitude exceeding 300 meters, posing a significant threat to air traffic safety near Tan Son Nhat Airport.

The incident occurred on the evening of August 13, when the aviation authority detected the flying object in the airport's takeoff and landing zone. This prompted an immediate response, including a temporary halt to all flight operations to assess the situation. The disruption led to 16 flights being affected, with some circling, others waiting to land, and one flight being diverted to Cam Ranh Airport.

Following the detection, authorities quickly identified the object as a large kite with a siren and flashing lights. It was released from an open field near the Tan Binh Industrial Park, an area known for spontaneous kite-flying activities. The police have summoned three individuals for questioning: Thân Văn Tấn, 42; Tạ Văn Chinh, 47; and Trần Võ Hồng Phát, 26, to clarify their involvement in flying the kite at such a dangerous altitude.

These individuals reportedly identified themselves as members of a Facebook group called "Nhóm ae diều sáo TP.HCM." A local resident described the open field as a long-standing gathering spot for kite flyers, attracting large crowds with various kites, including large siren kites that created noise disturbances at night. However, following the police intervention, the gatherings have ceased.

Local authorities are now increasing patrols in the area to prevent further instances of unauthorized kite flying or the operation of other unauthorized flying objects. Ho Chi Minh City police are warning the public to strictly adhere to regulations concerning flying devices and to absolutely refrain from flying kites or operating drones near airports and their surrounding areas to avoid endangering aviation safety. Violators face strict penalties, including potential criminal charges.

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Vào mỗi buổi chiều, người dân đổ về đây rất đông, từ diều nhỏ của trẻ em đến những con diều sáo cỡ lớn. Thậm chí nhiều người còn đi cả ô tô đến mang diều ra thả. Gần đây vào buổi tối, có lúc hàng chục con diều sáo được thả cùng lúc hú inh ỏi, khiến cuộc sống người dân xung quanh đảo lộn.