Da Nang International Airport has become the first in Vietnam to fully implement biometric facial recognition for air travel procedures, offering passengers the option to check in and board flights using only the VNeID app. The system, launched this month, currently supports domestic routes operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air.
Biometric check-in through VNeID
The new system enables a three-step passenger flow: online check-in via the VNeID mobile app, facial recognition at security checkpoints, and a second facial scan at the boarding gate. These procedures eliminate the need for traditional ID checks, though the airport advises passengers to carry their citizen ID card or passport as a backup in case of technical issues.
The deployment reflects Vietnam’s broader push to integrate biometric authentication across sectors, including banking and border control. It is part of a wider digital transformation at the airport, which also includes automated immigration declaration systems, self-service bag drop counters, auto-boarding gates, multilingual information terminals, and a chatbot being developed with AIAIVN that supports 50 languages.
An airport representative said the biometric rollout reflects Da Nang International Airport’s commitment to modernization and enhancing passenger convenience through high technology.
Growth strategy and national integration
Da Nang International Airport currently handles around 112 flights per day across 24 direct routes, including 16 international connections. In 2024, the airport served 13.4 million passengers, including 6.2 million international travelers, and processed 32,400 tonnes of cargo. Total revenue for the year reached VND 1.6 trillion (approximately USD 64 million).
The airport’s modernization supports Vietnam’s national strategy to implement biometric authentication at all border points by the end of 2025. A March directive from the prime minister mandates the rollout of facial recognition through VNeID across all airports and border crossings.
Infrastructure upgrades scheduled for 2026 to 2028 will expand Terminal 1, raising total passenger capacity to 14 million annually. Subsequent phases are planned to increase that capacity to 28 million passengers and 200,000 tonnes of cargo by 2030.
Sources: VnEconomy, VietnamPlus
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
