Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà speaks at the meeting of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee on Tuesday. Photo baochinhphu.vn

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà requested the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to develop and organise drills to respond to aviation security incidents at both the busiest and less crowded airports, ensuring aviation security and safety.

Speaking at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee's meeting on Tuesday, Deputy PM Hà, who is also the chairman of the committee, emphasised the need for a comprehensive assessment of aviation risks. It should include the development, issuance and implementation of security programmes, safety management, incident reporting, equipment status and workforce training.

Reports from the MoT show that since the beginning of 2024, aviation security tasks have been implemented in a coordinated, high-quality and timely manner. Risks threatening aviation security have been effectively controlled.

In the first ten months of 2024, airport security forces detected 223 violations of aviation security, including illegal transportation of weapons, controlled substances and drugs, theft at airports, false bomb threats and improper use of identification for boarding.

Various ministries, sectors and enterprises have coordinated efforts to improve aviation security capabilities through training and drills on handling unlawful interference in civil aviation. They also worked on raising awareness of aviation security and safety laws, along with conducting inspections.

The MoT has closely coordinated with the Ministries of National Defence, Public Security and Foreign Affairs to advise the committee on directing relevant agencies, localities with airports and aviation businesses to implement comprehensive measures for preventing and combating threats to aviation security.

International cooperation on aviation security has been strengthened and Việt Nam has been a positive and responsible contributor to the international community, updating information from ICAO and international experiences to develop policies ensuring security.

At the meeting, aviation authorities assessed the periodic risks to aviation safety and security, the organisational structure of the committee and its sub-agencies in relation to their functions, international practices, security regulations and cooperation between relevant agencies. 

They also discussed airport infrastructure upgrades and training for air traffic controllers.

In conclusion, Deputy PM Hà highlighted that aviation security was a matter of national security, involving many aspects such as flight operations, immigration control, baggage screening, aircraft maintenance and in-flight catering.

Therefore, ensuring aviation security would require a unified, comprehensive and consistent approach, separating the state's management responsibilities from tasks that businesses can perform.

The Deputy PM requested the MoT to review regulations to strengthen the committee and consider proposing the establishment of an independent investigative body for aviation safety and security incidents, following ICAO recommendations.

He also instructed the MoT to work with relevant ministries to develop and organise drills for responding to security breaches, including incidents involving unauthorised flying objects or cyber-attacks on air traffic control systems.

The Ministry of Information and Communications, the MoT, the Ministry of Public Security, and the State Capital Management Committee were asked to direct aviation enterprises to urgently implement measures to address information security vulnerabilities.

The Deputy PM emphasised the need to formalise aviation security and safety measures into detailed, standardised, modernised processes, whether for normal flying days or during holidays and peak periods. — VNS