Terminal 3, the country's largest domestic terminal with a designed capacity of 20 million passengers per year, opened on 30/4 and currently serves Vietnam Airlines flights.

Passengers using facial recognition at Terminal 3 on 27/7. Photo: ACV

Passengers using facial recognition at Terminal 3 on 27/7. Photo: ACV

From 26/7 to 15/8, Ho Chi Minh City Police are working with airport security and the airline to guide passengers on using facial recognition technology. Every day, the city police have at least two officers at Terminal 3 to help people use VNeID for security and boarding procedures.

To save time and avoid issues, passengers should note the following.

Before your flight:

Passengers need a valid chip-based ID card or passport. The VNeID app must be activated at level 2, meaning personal information has been verified and linked to the Immigration Department's database.

Check-in and using facial recognition:

There are two ways to use the service. The first, for iOS users, involves online check-in via VNeID on their phone and identity verification.

The second is to check in directly at Vietnam Airlines counters (56 to 77) at Terminal 3, then proceed to the facial recognition security gate. If there's a match, the gate opens automatically, allowing boarding without presenting any documents.

Using the correct lane:

At Tan Son Nhat Terminal 3, the security area has dedicated lanes for biometric technology users. Signs are located in front of the screening area. Pay attention to these signs to avoid unnecessary walking.

At the facial recognition area, simply stand in the designated spot. The system automatically scans your face and compares it to registered data. If there's a match, the security gate opens without needing a ticket or ID.

Timing and network connectivity:

While the facial recognition process is optimized, taking only a few seconds and saving 10-15 minutes compared to presenting documents, the airport still recommends carrying identification as a backup for technical issues.

Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure (for domestic flights) to address potential problems like substandard photos, incomplete registration information, or unstable network connections.

Ensure your mobile device has a network connection for on-site app registration to avoid system access issues.

Other important information:

Biometric facial recognition is not yet available for all passengers. Currently, it applies to Vietnam Airlines domestic passengers at Tan Son Nhat Terminal 3. Other airlines and the international terminal have not implemented it. Children under 14 are also excluded.

According to Tan Son Nhat Airport, passenger biometric data is secure and used solely for identity verification during check-in. The system operates under strict controls, complying with Ministry of Public Security and Construction regulations.

Besides Tan Son Nhat, biometric technology on the VNeID platform has been deployed at Noi Bai, Da Nang, and Cam Ranh airports. This solution is part of a comprehensive digitalization strategy for air transport, aiming to create a smart, paperless airport ecosystem.

Tuan Anh