Con Dao Airport in Vietnam has officially launched facial recognition technology for air travel procedures, enabling passengers to complete check-in, security screening, and boarding without presenting physical documents. The system went live this month, and follows a similar deployment at Da Nang International Airport in July, marking continued expansion of biometric authentication across Vietnam’s aviation sector.
The system is currently active on flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, VASCO, and Vietjet Air, and connects directly to Vietnam’s national digital identity platform, VNeID. This implementation supports the government’s broader plan to introduce biometric authentication at all border points by 2025.
Passengers can register their facial data through two methods. They may use the VNeID mobile app to complete electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification before arriving at the airport, or they can register in person by presenting their ticket and Citizen ID at a designated counter. Once enrolled, passengers proceed through security and boarding gates using facial recognition alone. After looking into a camera, the system automatically verifies identity and opens the gate, eliminating the need for paper documents or staff assistance.
According to airport officials, the system offers a modern and convenient experience for passengers while enhancing service capacity, aviation safety, and security. The deployment also represents a milestone in Con Dao Airport’s digital transformation, aligning with national efforts to improve airport operations through advanced identity technologies.
The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), which oversees the biometric rollout, has issued detailed implementation guidelines and established task forces at participating airports. Passenger education campaigns are also underway. Con Dao’s deployment is part of Phase 2 of the national plan, with the ACV targeting increased adoption and operational readiness by September 15, 2025.
This initiative is one component of Vietnam’s broader digital identity strategy, which recently included efforts to extend digital ID coverage to foreign nationals and mandate biometric authentication for online banking services by the end of this year.
Sources: Vietnam Airport News, ACV Directive
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By Ji-seo Kim
