Vietnam to try out facial recognition system for airport procedures

The technology will be tested on a small scale at all airports and the results will be reported to the Ministry of Transport, so that widespread application could be done in the second quarter, according to a representative of CAAV.

Passengers who want to pass through security gates at airports currently have to show certain personal documents, such as personal IDs, driving licenses or birth certificates. Airport employees must check these documents manually.

Using biometrics, security gates would have equipment installed to take photos of passengers' faces and use facial recognition for identification. Such a method would reduce the time needed to perform flight procedures while increasing accuracy, helping to recognize those using fake papers or who are wanted or banned from flying.

In October last year, CAAV discussed with several units regarding the use of personal IDs with chips for passengers on certain domestic flights. Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport is expected to spearhead the initiative starting in April.

Security gates and booths for procedures will have separate lanes for passengers with personal IDs with chips. There will be equipment to automatically scan IDs for facial recognition, replacing the need for manual document checks.