Heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted flights at two of central Vietnam’s main airports on November 9. A total of 17 flights were affected at Da Nang International Airport and Phu Bai International Airport, which serves Hue. Aircraft were held in the air before landing, several crews had to abandon their first approach, and one flight returned to Hanoi.
Air traffic controllers brought in extra measures as visibility dropped and strong winds made landings harder. Conditions improved the next day, but authorities are still monitoring the weather, with more heavy rain forecast for central Vietnam.
17 Flights
Affected on November 9
12 Flights
Held Before Landing at Da Nang
350 m
Lowest Visibility at Da Nang
12 per Hour
Reduced Landing Capacity at Da Nang
How the 17 Flights Were Affected
| Airport | Impact | Flights |
|---|---|---|
| Da Nang International | Held in the air before landing | 12 |
| Da Nang International | Abandoned first approach and tried again | 4 |
| Phu Bai International (Hue) | Abandoned landing and returned to Hanoi | 1 |
Da Nang: Visibility Through the Evening
- ~5:30 p.m.Heavy rain cut visibility to about 750 meters.
- 9:45–10:15 p.m.Visibility fell to as little as 350 meters, the worst of the day.
According to the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), strong crosswinds added to the difficulty for crews on approach. Several departing aircraft also asked to change their routes after takeoff to avoid thunderstorm cells, and controllers handled those requests while keeping aircraft safely separated.
Hue: One Flight Returns to Hanoi
At Phu Bai International Airport, which serves Hue, an arriving aircraft abandoned its landing, held for a time and then flew back to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. The diversion required extra coordination between regional air traffic units.
How Controllers Managed Traffic
During the worst conditions, controllers cut Da Nang’s landing capacity to 12 flights per hour. A ground delay program was also put in place, holding some aircraft at their departure airports so that too many did not arrive at Da Nang at once.
Holding and Go-Arounds
A holding pattern is a set circuit an aircraft flies near the airport while it waits to land. A go-around happens when a crew stops an approach and climbs away to try again. Both are routine safety procedures when visibility or wind is outside safe limits.
Flights Back to Normal on November 10
VATM reported that no flights at the two airports were affected by bad weather on November 10, although weather warnings remained in place across central Vietnam.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) told aviation agencies and operators to keep emergency staff on duty around the clock. Airports and service providers were also asked to check drainage systems, review emergency plans and make sure communication and technical equipment is working.
More Rain Expected
Forecasts show heavy rain continuing in parts of central Vietnam through November 11. Da Nang and the area from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak are expected to be among the hardest hit, with some places forecast to receive more than 300 mm of rain. Conditions are expected to improve gradually from November 12.
Flying to Da Nang or Hue This Week?
- Check your flight status with your airline before leaving for the airport.
- Expect possible delays, holding and diversions while heavy rain continues.
- If you have a connecting flight, especially a domestic one within Vietnam, allow extra time.
