Severe Thunderstorms on September 30th Cause Significant Flight Disruptions

The severe thunderstorm on September 30th significantly disrupted flight operations at Noi Bai Airport and related airports.

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According to the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), on September 30, 2025, the Noi Bai Airport area in Hanoi experienced continuous heavy thunderstorms, significantly impacting flight operations at the airport and its connecting hubs.

Noi Bai Air Traffic Control Cabin amidst the severe weather conditions on the afternoon of September 30, 2025. Photo: VATM

The intense thunderstorms lasted from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, coinciding with peak flight hours, causing significant disruptions to both domestic and international flight schedules.

The Noi Bai Aviation Meteorological Center reported that during the heaviest rainfall of the year, visibility dropped below 1 km, occasionally reaching only 500-600 meters, accompanied by wind shear on the runway. The heavy rain also caused flooding on some taxiways and aprons, affecting the landing guidance system.

Accurate assessment of thunderstorm intensity, visibility, and duration is crucial for forecasting and issuing timely warnings, enabling air traffic controllers, airport authorities, and airlines to collaborate effectively to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

As of 6:00 PM, 53 flights were placed in holding patterns, and 37 flights were diverted to alternate airports. Most diverted flights have since safely landed at Noi Bai Airport as planned.

The Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation directly instructed its subordinate units to implement response plans, closely coordinating with aviation authorities, airports, and airlines to ensure absolute safety for all flights. They continue to monitor weather developments to further mitigate the impact of extreme weather on aviation operations.

Vietnam Airlines announced that several flights to and from Noi Bai Airport operated by Vietnam Airlines Group (including Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines) had to adjust their schedules, enter holding patterns, or land at alternate airports such as Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Bai (Hue), and Da Nang to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Air Traffic Control Team on duty at Noi Bai Airport on September 30, 2025. Photo: VATM

The control team working tirelessly to manage flights amidst challenging and complex weather conditions. Photo: VATM

Leadership of the Hanoi En Route Air Traffic Control Center directing the control team amidst the complex weather conditions on September 30, 2025. Photo: VATM

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