Lilshira
Da Nang Airport launches biometric eGates, cutting queues by 35%
Da Nang International Airport has activated biometric eGates, reducing passenger queues by roughly 35%. The system began operating on 10 April 2026 and applies to Vietnamese travelers who hold Level 2 VNeID accounts, offering a faster domestic processing lane at Terminal 1.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Biometric eGates introduced for domestic priority lane using facial recognition
- Timing
- Launched on 10 April 2026
- Who is affected
- Vietnamese passengers with Level 2 VNeID accounts at Da Nang Airport
The details
- Announced by
- Da Nang International Airport
- Takes effect
- 10 April 2026
- Previous rule
- Before the launch passengers were processed through conventional document checks at standard immigration counters.
- New rule
- The airport now offers a biometric priority lane that verifies identity via facial recognition for eligible Level 2 VNeID holders.
Announcement and Context
On 10 April 2026 Da Nang International Airport opened a dedicated priority lane that uses facial‑recognition technology. The lane is part of a broader smart‑airport programme aimed at easing congestion as international flight movements are expected to rise by roughly 20 % during the winter 2026‑27 season.
With 36 airlines scheduled to operate 23,016 international movements between 25 October 2026 and 27 March 2027, the airport anticipates higher passenger volumes, especially from South Korea, China and Southeast Asian markets. The biometric lane is intended to maintain smooth flow despite the projected increase.
- Launch date: 10 April 2026
- Part of smart‑airport development
- Targets domestic passengers only
How the Biometric eGates Operate
The system connects to Vietnam’s national electronic identification platform, VNeID, and verifies passengers whose accounts are classified as Level 2. After pre‑registering facial data, travelers simply stand before the gate, where the camera matches their face to the stored template and grants clearance without a manual document check.
Only Vietnamese passengers who have completed the Level 2 VNeID registration can access the lane; other travelers continue to use traditional immigration counters. The technology reduces reliance on passport stamps and manual verification, aligning with the airport’s goal of faster processing during busy winter months.
- Eligibility: Level 2 VNeID holders
- Verification via facial recognition
- No passport check at the gate
Implementation Schedule and Expected Impact
The eGate lane is available at Terminal 1 for all domestic departures and arrivals from the launch date onward. Airport officials estimate a 35 % reduction in queue length, translating to several minutes saved per passenger during peak periods. The service will remain limited to eligible Vietnamese citizens until further expansion is announced.
No additional staffing costs are associated with the eGates, as the system is fully automated. Monitoring will continue throughout the winter schedule, and the airport will assess performance before considering rollout to international arrivals.
- Projected queue reduction: 35 %
- Available for domestic flights only
- Performance review after winter 2026‑27
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with a Level 2 VNeID account can now use the priority lane at T1, shortening check‑in time
- Passengers without a Level 2 VNeID continue to use standard immigration counters, with no change to their processing time
- The new lane does not affect flight schedules, so existing bookings remain valid
Cost and documents
- No additional fee is charged for using the biometric eGate
- Eligible users must hold a Level 2 VNeID account and have pre‑registered facial data in the system
- International visitors are not required to use the biometric lane and keep their existing passport and visa documents
What you need to do
- Obtain or upgrade to a Level 2 VNeID account before traveling to Da Nang
- Register facial biometric information through the VNeID portal ahead of the flight
- Look for signage for the “Biometric Priority Lane” at Terminal 1 upon arrival
Who this affects
-
Vietnamese passengers with Level 2 VNeID
They are eligible to use the new biometric priority lane at Da Nang Airport
What to do Must have a Level 2 VNeID account and pre‑registered facial data to access the lane
-
Vietnamese passengers without Level 2 VNeID
They are not eligible for the biometric lane and must use regular immigration counters
What to do Continue processing through standard document checks
-
International travelers
The biometric lane is limited to domestic Vietnamese passengers only
Frequently asked questions
When did Da Nang Airport start using biometric eGates?
The biometric eGates were launched on 10 April 2026 at Da Nang International Airport, providing a dedicated priority lane for eligible passengers.
Who can use the new biometric priority lane at Da Nang Airport?
The lane is available to Vietnamese travelers who hold a Level 2 VNeID account and have previously uploaded their facial biometric data to the national electronic identification system.
Is there an extra charge for using the biometric eGates?
No additional fee is applied; the service is offered free of charge to eligible passengers as part of the airport’s smart‑airport programme.
What documents do I need to use the biometric eGate?
Users must present a valid Level 2 VNeID account with pre‑registered facial recognition data; no passport or visa check is required at the eGate for those passengers.
Will the biometric eGates affect my international flight schedule?
The introduction of the eGates only changes the processing method for eligible domestic travelers and does not alter flight times or the schedule for international arrivals and departures.
