Picture courtesy of VN Express

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has issued an urgent directive aimed at bolstering flight safety nationwide following a significant ground collision at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. This directive comes as Vietnam prepares for the busy summer travel season and anticipates challenging weather conditions, such as thunderstorms.

 

On 27 June, a Boeing 787, set to depart for Ho Chi Minh City, collided with the tail of an Airbus 321, which was waiting to take off for Dien Bien City. The incident occurred at the intersection of taxiways S and S3, and as a result, the aircraft and the pilots involved have been suspended pending a thorough investigation. This event has been classified as a level B aviation incident, which is notably serious, being the second-highest level of five.

 

In light of these events, the CAAV has mandated that all aviation entities rigorously implement safety protocols, especially during adverse weather. Airlines have been instructed to intensify staff awareness campaigns, targeting pilots and air traffic controllers to reinforce adherence to safety procedures.

 

Pilots are now expected to engage in more comprehensive briefings before departure, familiarising themselves with current airport charts and clearly defining roles within the cockpit. Increased attentiveness is required during critical phases like taxiing, takeoff, and landing. If there is any doubt regarding clearance from obstacles, the protocol demands an immediate halt and communication with air traffic control.

 

Moreover, pilots must strictly apply the "readback-hearback-confirmation" protocol to ensure precise comprehension of instructions. Clarifications are to be sought without hesitation if instructions are unclear. Additionally, personal activities, such as photographing or filming during operations, have been prohibited to maintain focus.

 

On an organisational level, airlines are encouraged to reinforce flight supervision and carry out regular reviews of their operational procedures, fostering a culture of continuous safety enhancement.

 

Air traffic controllers have a crucial role in maintaining a vigilant watch over aircraft movements. They are instructed to use available resources like ground surveillance systems and binoculars to accurately monitor aircraft positioning and movements. Prompt intervention is expected in response to any abnormal activities, such as incorrect taxiing paths or unauthorised stopping.

 

Moreover, controllers must keep the pilots informed with regular weather updates to assist in timely and informed decisions. Effective communication is paramount, with instructions repeated as needed to ensure understanding, particularly in critical scenarios like runway crossings.

 

Airport operators have been tasked with intensifying their inspections of signage, ground markings, lighting, and taxiway indicators to guarantee safety and service readiness. Consideration of advanced surface movement guidance systems is encouraged at busy airports to prevent scenarios like runway incursions.

 

The CAAV has underscored the necessity for all aviation units to remain proactive and vigilant to uphold safety standards, recognising the challenges posed by increasing air traffic and unpredictable weather patterns. This coordinated effort seeks to reassure the travelling public and maintain the integrity of Vietnam's aviation operations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-07-01

 

 

Wow. Good stuff. But I kind of expected all of that to already be happening as standard practice

7 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

Wow. Good stuff. But I kind of expected all of that to already be happening as standard practice

It likely does, but humans make mistakes.  They mention ground surveillance, but there's no mention of what's called "safety nets" that can give audible and visual warnings of the failure to stop at the assigned location (stop bar) or close proximity in the unlikely event of a controller or pilot making a mistake.  With those safety nets there's less likelihood of a bump such as this.