A plane preparing to land at Điện Biên Airport. From 2018 to 2022, numerous April flights to Điện Biên Airport were diverted or cancelled due to weather, constituting around 20% of total flights. — VNA/VNS Photo

ĐIỆN BIÊN — According to the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), over the course of three days (from April 6 to 8), 19 flights to Điện Biên Airport had to be cancelled due to haze and dust affecting flight operations at the airport.

VATM explained that in April, southwest winds often carry in haze and reduce visibility to 2,000-4,800 meters for up to 15 days at Điện Biên Airport. Smoke from slash-and-burn agricultural practices in upper Laos exacerbate the problem, affecting flight operations.

From 2018 to 2022, numerous April flights had to be diverted or cancelled due to weather, constituting around 20 per cent of total flights.

"The weather phenomenon combined with air pollution not only affects the daily lives of Điện Biên residents but also directly impacts flight operations at Điện Biên Airport, with horizontal visibility not meeting minimum operational standards," said a VATM representative.

VATM has installed a modern automatic meteorological observation system at Điện Biên Airport, meeting ICAO requirements. This system, licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam, operates alongside the new runway, ensuring safe flight operations with comprehensive meteorological data.

To enhance flight safety, VATM monitors weather conditions closely, including wind speed and direction, and assesses dust and smoke pollution from Laos. This information allows for accurate forecast bulletins and heightened attention to visibility observations.

The Northern Air Traffic Management Company conducts flight operations at Điện Biên Airport in compliance with standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt nam.

To cater to the increasing demands of the aviation sector in the Northwest region, VATM is constructing a new non-radar control tower in Điện Biên. The project, initiated on April 27, 2023, is slated for completion before April 28 this year.

"The operation at the non-radar control tower does not affect flight delays/cancellations by airlines in recent days at Điện Biên Phủ Airport," said the VATM representative.

Currently, all flight operation assurance tasks are finalised, with procedures underway for official operation. The inauguration of the project is scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (April 20, 1993 - April 20, 2024), and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the historic Điện Biên Phủ Victory. — VNS