The system allows travelers to check in, clear security, and board flights with facial scans linked to the national population database.
Officials say the solution reduces waiting times, enhances convenience, and strengthens data security, marking a major milestone in the aviation sector’s digital transformation.
Streamlined check-in and boarding
At check-in, passengers open the VNeID app, select “Aviation procedures,” and either check in online or register facial data at the counter.
At security checkpoints, passengers look into a camera for automatic verification, after which the gate opens. The same process applies at boarding gates, enabling passengers to board without showing physical documents or interacting with staff.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan of Hai Phong City, after flying from Phu Cat Airport, said the process was “quick and convenient, with no need to queue for document checks.” Similarly, Ms. Hoang Thi Mai of Dien Hong Ward noted the new system made traveling with children “much more convenient.”
Support measures in place
To ease the transition, airports have deployed youth union members and ground staff to guide travelers at check-in, security, and boarding.
Clear signage, visual panels, and social media communications further assist passengers. “Our teams promptly handle any issues, ensuring peace of mind even for first-time users,” said Nguyen Quoc Dinh, Head of Ground Services at Phu Cat Airport.
Enhancing security and efficiency
Authorities highlight the biometric system’s security advantages. Passenger information is directly cross-checked with the national database, preventing document forgery and minimizing errors.
“The process eliminates risks of using fraudulent documents and ensures absolute personal data security,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hoa Binh of the provincial Police.
According to police statistics, more than 8,000 passengers, 85.4% of total travelers, have already used paperless procedures at the two airports since implementation.
The model has notably improved efficiency during peak periods and is especially helpful for the elderly, families with young children, and less tech-savvy travelers.
Toward nationwide rollout
The initiative also underscores Vietnam’s push for digital transformation in aviation. By 2026, the plan is for all passengers nationwide to complete procedures using biometrics, aligned with the government’s Project 06 vision: “Each citizen, one digital ID, one account for transactions with the State and society.”
