Enhancing Airport Security: The Hassle of Removing Shoes and Belts

Streamlining Security Checks to Enhance Airport Service Quality

Following the publication of AirHelp Score’s “World’s Best Airports 2025” rankings in July 2025, in which Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports were ranked near the bottom, our reporters have received numerous suggestions for improving the quality of service at these two largest airports in Vietnam.

Reducing Security Checks for a Better Airport Experience

A notable suggestion comes from Mr. Dang Hong Anh, Chairman of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association. He argues that the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes, belts, and sometimes even jackets during security checks is outdated and no longer aligns with modern technological advancements.

According to Mr. Anh, these manual inspection processes are not only inconvenient for travelers but also result in significant societal time and resource waste. Citing statistics from the Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), he reveals that in 2024, Vietnamese airports served approximately 109 million passengers. On average, more than 1,000 passengers pass through the security screening area every five minutes, placing immense pressure on security personnel.

“If each person spends 3 to 4 minutes removing their shoes, belts, and jackets, the total wasted time in a year could amount to more than 7 million work hours. When converted to minimum wage, the economic loss is estimated at VND 110-150 billion per year. Meanwhile, many airports worldwide have entirely eliminated this step by employing modern scanning equipment,” he added.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang, a frequent international traveler from Gia Dinh Ward in Ho Chi Minh City, shared that he hasn’t had to remove his shoes at any international airport in recent years, including Istanbul, Turkey, despite its history of security incidents. Some foreign airports even provide separate trays for shoes and jackets, whereas in Vietnam, they are often piled into one tray, causing confusion and delays.

A quick survey conducted by our reporters on August 1, 2025, revealed that nearly 500 readers agreed with the proposal to eliminate the requirement to remove shoes and belts. Many passengers expressed discomfort and frustration with this procedure, especially during rushed travels.

Unreasonable Service Pricing at Airports

In addition to the outdated security check procedures, many passengers also criticized the unreasonable pricing of services at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports. A leader of a travel company specializing in inbound tourism shared that he once spent 75 minutes completing departure procedures at Tan Son Nhat airport, while the prices of food and beverages in the international terminal were exceptionally high.

“A bottle of water costs VND 90,000, almost double the price at Hong Kong airport. A simple meal can cost between VND 500,000 and 700,000, which is more expensive than at many airports in the region,” the businessman commented.

Embracing Technology for Security Screening

According to experts, Vietnam can learn from international models and adopt new technologies to enhance security checks. For instance, in the US, the TSA PreCheck program allows pre-registered travelers to go through security without removing their shoes, belts, or electronic devices from their carry-on luggage. The average time for each inspection is less than 10 minutes.

In Europe, several airports have implemented next-generation CT scanners, enabling the swift screening of hand luggage without the need to remove liquids or laptops. Changi Airport in Singapore, a pioneer in Asia, utilizes artificial intelligence and smart sensors, ensuring both speed and safety in their security processes.

Mr. Dang Hong Anh suggested that Vietnam should follow suit with a well-planned and phased approach, clearly defining replacement solutions. Streamlining these procedures would not only reduce the burden on security personnel but also enhance passenger experiences and improve the perception of Vietnamese aviation internationally.

Impact on Tourism and Necessary Improvements

Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Tourism Department, emphasized that the service quality at international airports like Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai is not just a concern for the aviation industry but also plays a crucial role in shaping tourists’ overall travel experiences.

As the country’s largest tourism hub and a regional and international gateway, Ho Chi Minh City welcomes over 80% of international visitors through its airports. Therefore, the first and last impressions that visitors take away from Vietnam are often formed at these airports.

“The low ranking of our airports in terms of passenger experience will undoubtedly impact tourists’ perceptions, affecting our ability to retain and attract domestic and international visitors to Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. We view the AirHelp Score rankings as a wake-up call,” said Mr. Hoa.

He attributed the issue primarily to infrastructure constraints rather than individual service quality. With passenger traffic increasing by over 10% annually, the Tan Son Nhat airport is operating at 150% of its designed capacity of 28 million passengers. This has led to flight delays and congestion at various stages, directly impacting passenger experiences.

To address these challenges, Ho Chi Minh City and relevant authorities are implementing a comprehensive solution: expanding infrastructure, standardizing operations through collaborative management models, and promoting digitization in passenger services. With the upcoming Long Thanh airport, Southern Vietnam will boast a dual-gateway ecosystem, offering international-standard experiences with modern and convenient facilities right from the moment passengers step into the country.