Seamless Air Travel Ahead: ACV Leadership Announces Automated Passenger Verification from Booking to Boarding

This afternoon (October 8), Tien Phong Newspaper hosted a seminar titled “Enterprises in the Digital Era: Creating Impact and Global Integration.” The event featured representatives from the Ministry of Finance, experts, and numerous businesses and entrepreneurs.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Phung Cong Suong, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong Newspaper, emphasized that digital transformation is no longer a trend but an imperative for all nations, industries, and especially the business community—the pioneers in creating value and driving growth.

“We are living in an era where technology, data, and innovation are the most critical resources for development,” Mr. Suong stated.

In this context, Vietnamese entrepreneurs are not just business leaders but also “architects” of the digital economy. They are visionaries who dare to think, act, and innovate, propelling Vietnamese products, services, and brands onto the global stage. Their entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and resilience have significantly contributed to GDP growth, job creation, and Vietnam’s international standing.

“Every Vietnamese enterprise and entrepreneur is a nucleus of innovation in the digital economy. When businesses successfully transform, it’s not just about productivity and profit but about creating new value, opportunities, and a brighter future for the nation,” Mr. Suong added.

During the seminar, Mr. Pham Quang Hieu, Deputy Head of Environmental Technology at Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), shared that amidst the global digital transformation, Vietnam’s aviation sector is proactively adopting new technologies.

“While international airports like Chengdu (China) began integrating digital tools for passenger services nearly a decade ago, ACV is now advancing towards full digitalization across all airport operations,” Mr. Hieu explained.

Major airports in Vietnam, such as Tan Son Nhat, have piloted dual-stream checks—automated biometrics and manual verification. ACV aims to synchronize this system nationwide, making air travel faster, safer, and paperless.

“ACV is steadily realizing its goal of positioning Vietnam as a Southeast Asian leader in digital aviation through the ‘paperless airport’ initiative, leveraging the national digital identity platform VNeID,” Mr. Hieu noted.

Starting December, passengers at ACV-managed airports can use VNeID for identity verification, replacing physical IDs and boarding passes.

This technology enables a seamless travel experience: from booking, check-in, security checks to boarding—all authenticated via biometrics (facial recognition, fingerprints) linked to VNeID.

This integration significantly reduces processing times, eases peak-hour congestion, enhances security accuracy, and virtually eliminates identity fraud. Vietnam is thus aligning with advanced nations like Singapore, South Korea, and the Netherlands in building smart aviation systems.

ACV acknowledges the challenges of this transition: data security, synchronized tech infrastructure, user habit changes, and inter-ministerial coordination.

To ensure smooth implementation, ACV has reconfigured self-service kiosks, upgraded biometric systems, and provided intensive training for staff at key airports.

VNeID’s integration in aviation is not just a technical leap but a catalyst for national digital transformation. It reduces operational costs, optimizes resources, and paves the way for future public service integrations.

“Long-term, Vietnamese passengers can anticipate advanced security technologies, such as smart scanners that don’t require removing electronics or liquids from luggage,” Mr. Hieu shared.

The introduction of biometric authentication via VNeID marks a pivotal moment in aviation’s digital evolution, ushering in an era where flights are faster, safer, and smarter than ever.

Additionally, Mr. Hieu highlighted the Long Thanh International Airport project—the largest investment in Vietnam’s aviation history—now in its final stages, aiming to become a regional hub.

Long Thanh is not only a critical infrastructure project but also a strategic driver for economic, tourism, and logistics growth. Statistics show that a 1% increase in aviation can boost GDP by 0.5-1%.

Phase 1 of the project is expected to serve 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually, scaling up to 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo upon full completion.

Located just 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Long Thanh is part of Vietnam’s largest logistics triangle, with convenient inter-regional road and rail connections. The project completed technical test flights on September 26 and is set to open on December 19, 2025.

ACV envisions Long Thanh as a green, smart airport, employing automation, energy efficiency, and advanced air traffic management. The design focuses on carbon reduction, operational optimization, and future expansion flexibility.

ACV is also attracting major airlines like Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates to position Long Thanh as a Southeast Asian aviation hub. A synchronized ecosystem of commercial centers, hotels, conference facilities, and logistics will create a modern “airport city.”

In terms of workforce, ACV is intensifying training to meet international standards, aiming for IATA Level 2 certification to enhance competitiveness and global integration.

Despite its strategic scope, Long Thanh faces stiff competition from established hubs like Changi (Singapore), Suvarnabhumi (Thailand), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Success hinges on infrastructure connectivity. Key projects like the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway, HCMC Ring Road 3, and the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway must be completed to avoid isolating the new airport.