Hanoi (VNA) - From December 1, 2025, most domestic air passengers in Vietnam will bypass traditional check-in counters and proceed directly to security and boarding using biometric identification linked to the VNeID app or self-service kiosks. Conventional counters will remain only for those with checked baggage and special cases.
The change is expected to end long queues at airports and reduce last-minute worries over missing documents. It represents a full-scale overhaul of ground services, shifting from paperwork and manual checks to data-driven, automated processes.
Under the new system, passengers without checked luggage simply check in via VNeID or a kiosk, undergo facial recognition at security, and board by scanning their face. Those with baggage drop it at a counter before entering the same automated flow. Early pilots at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports since April 2025 showed time savings of 10-15 minutes per passenger, with most users reporting smooth experiences.
The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is racing to upgrade technology across 17 airports, installing e-gates, AI cameras, and backup systems. Carriers such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are preparing support channels and training staff, though adoption still depends on passengers upgrading to VNeID level 2 and adjusting to the new process.
Experts say consistent signage, on-site “tech help desks,” and incentives such as priority boarding will be key to easing the transition. With synchronised infrastructure, the biometric system is expected to cut congestion, boost punctuality, and set the foundation for smart aviation services in Vietnam’s digital era./.
