1. Introduction
Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) is an essential component of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, aiming to optimize the use of airspace and airport resources by balancing air traffic demand and available capacity.
ATFM services ensure the safety, efficiency, and orderly flow of air traffic through:
- Analysis and forecasting of traffic demand at airports and within airspace;
- Distribution of flow management measures such as Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT), Ground Delay Program (GDP), or adjustments to flight paths and flight levels to match traffic demand with actual capacity, thus minimizing congestion, enhancing safety, and improving the overall efficiency of the air transport system;
- Strengthened coordination between air traffic control units, airports, airlines, meteorological agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.
ATFM is a mandatory recommendation under the frameworks of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and is being increasingly implemented across the Asia/Pacific Region.
2. Implementation of ATFM in Vietnam
The Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) is responsible for organizing and providing ATFM services nationwide. Implementation is carried out under the direction of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and in accordance with ICAO and APAC regional guidelines.
ATFM operations in Vietnam are conducted by the Air Traffic Flow Management Center (ATFMC) – a company under VATM that acts as the focal point for implementing centralized ATFM measures for both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Flight Information Regions (FIRs).
The ATFMC operates 24/7 under CAAV approval and is staffed with specialized personnel, including:
- ATFM operational teams responsible for daily monitoring and application of ATFM measures;
- A support team for post-operational analysis and performance review.
In addition, Area Air traffic control Centers (Hanoi ACC, Ho Chi Minh ACC) and aerodrome control towers are responsible for coordinating with the ATFMC in applying flow management measures during operational scenarios.
Main functions and responsibilities of ATFMC
- Lead the implementation and oversight of ATFM measures within its area of responsibility;
- Develop and distribute strategic and daily ATFM Plans (ADPs) through the Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) process with relevant stakeholders;
- Collect and analyze ATFM-related information, including weather conditions, capacity restrictions, infrastructure limitations, runway/taxiway/apron closures, ATM automation system outages, and procedural or operational changes affecting ATC units;
- Disseminate ATFM information to relevant stakeholders;
- Develop mechanisms for ATFM communication via the ATFM online portal;
- Assess the impact of imbalances between traffic demand and capacity at airports and within airspace sectors.
Furthermore, Vietnam is currently a Level 3 (highest level) member of the Asia/Pacific Multi-Nodal ATFM Network (AMNAC), actively contributing to Cross-Border ATFM implementation in the region.
3. ATFM Portal
To enhance information sharing and coordination among domestic and regional stakeholders, VATM has developed and operates the ATFM Portal.
Purpose and users:
3.1.The ATFM Portal is an online information platform operated by ATFMC, serving:
- Air traffic control units (ACC, APP, TWR);
- Domestic and international airlines;
- Airport operators and related service providers;
- Military, meteorology, and AIS coordination units.
3.2.Key functionalities:
- Provision of the Daily ATFM Plan (ADP): Informing stakeholders of current demand-capacity situations, airspace and airport constraints, and proposed ATFM measures for the day;
- CTOT lookup and confirmation: Airlines can access ATFM plans, view their assigned Calculated Take-Off Times (CTOTs), and provide feedback to the ATFM center;
- Display of traffic demand forecasts and operational status: Showing forecast demand at airports and actual real-time operational progress.
