New Flight Procedures Launched at Noi Bai International Airport

On March 20, 2025, at 7:00 AM (Hanoi time), the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) officially implemented new flight procedures at Noi Bai International Airport. This initiative highlights VATM’s ongoing commitment to enhance air traffic management efficiency and ensure flight safety at this key airport in the capital.

The Northern Air Traffic Management Company’s leadership directly supervised the transition to new operations at the Approach Control Center at Noi Bai. The first flight to utilize the new procedures was Vietjet Air flight VJC198. This flight departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and safely landed at Noi Bai at 7:17 AM on March 20.

Strategic Importance of Noi Bai Airport

Noi Bai Airport plays a critical strategic role. VATM prioritizes it for research and deployment of modern flight procedures. Eight years ago, Noi Bai became the first airport in Vietnam to study and design the Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) system. This system employs Point Merge techniques, significantly improving air traffic management and enhancing the airport’s operational capacity.

New Procedures to Meet Growing Demands

To accommodate the increasing demands of civil aviation and military training in the Noi Bai area, VATM has introduced a new satellite-based approach procedure (RNP approach). This addition complements the existing Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches. According to Mr. Nguyen Cong Long, General Director of VATM, the Northern Air Traffic Management Company and the Aeronautical Information Center collaborated to design and modify the existing flight procedures. These changes were submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam for approval.

On January 20, 2025, after thorough evaluation and calibration flights, the Civil Aviation Authority issued Decision No. 118/QD-CHK. This decision approved the new flight procedures to be effective from 7:00 AM on March 20, 2025.

Details of the New Flight Procedures

The latest adjustment includes several PBN procedures designed to optimize operations. New departure and arrival procedures have been added to separate incoming and outgoing traffic at Noi Bai. A key feature of the new design is the approach procedure for flights outside the airport’s peak area. This ensures that incoming flights do not interfere with departing aircraft, maintaining smooth operations even during high traffic periods.

Training and Implementation

To ensure the safe and effective implementation of the new flight procedures, VATM directed the Northern Air Traffic Management Company to detail the execution plan for each task. This plan aims to uphold quality and adhere to timelines. Training for both theoretical and practical aspects of the new procedures has been prioritized. The Northern Air Traffic Management Company has initiated training for air traffic controllers at the Approach Control Center and the Hanoi Long-Distance Control Center.

A total of 173 air traffic controllers participated in this training, along with 35 data processing staff from the two centers. This comprehensive training is crucial for the successful adoption of the new procedures.

Long-Term Vision and Commitment

Mr. Nguyen Cong Long emphasized that implementing the new flight procedures at Noi Bai is just one of many initiatives by VATM. These efforts aim to enhance service quality, ensure safety, and improve operational efficiency. The goal is to contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s aviation industry.

Looking ahead, VATM plans to continue researching and designing flight procedures at Noi Bai and other airports across the country. The focus will be on incorporating modern technologies to meet the growing demands of civil aviation while ensuring national security and defense.

Conclusion

The launch of new flight procedures at Noi Bai International Airport marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s aviation sector. With the increasing volume of air traffic, these enhancements are essential for maintaining safety and efficiency. The collaboration between various agencies and the commitment to training personnel will play a vital role in the successful implementation of these new procedures.

As Vietnam continues to integrate into the global aviation landscape, the focus on modernizing air traffic management systems is critical.

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