Da Nang Airport 'cries for help'

Da Nang receives approximately 130-170 flights daily, including 60-70 international flights. Passenger traffic at both domestic and international terminals has exceeded operating capacity.

The People's Committee of Da Nang City has recently sent a document to the Ministry of Public Security and related units requesting assistance in resolving difficulties at Da Nang International Airport.

On average, Da Nang receives approximately 130-170 flights daily, including 60-70 international flights. The actual passenger volume at both domestic and international terminals has exceeded operating capacity. Furthermore, most international flights land during midday and nighttime hours, carrying a large number of passengers.

The terminals are overloaded with check-in, immigration, and baggage screening services, leading to congestion and long waits for passengers. Simultaneously, the airport's infrastructure and resources are under immense pressure, negatively impacting passenger service quality and the destination's image.

Private jets belonging to the world's billionaires landed at Da Nang airport. Photo: Thanh Hien.

Da Nang is aiming to become a "World-Class Destination" and a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) center for the region. Tourism plays a key role as a leading economic sector, accounting for a large proportion of the city's economic structure. Therefore, maintaining and improving the quality of service at Da Nang International Airport contributes to ensuring the destination's image, enhancing competitiveness, promoting visitor growth, and meeting development requirements.

In light of this situation, the Da Nang City People's Committee requested the Ministry of Public Security to direct the Immigration Department to study and consider providing support and increasing personnel for the border police force at Da Nang International Airport to ensure that they meet the requirements for immigration control, baggage screening, security, safety, and convenience for passengers; to open the maximum number of immigration counters, and to allocate and regulate personnel appropriately.

In addition, research should be conducted to expand the application of the automated immigration control system for eligible passengers; gradually simplify procedures and reduce manual checks for appropriate cases, contributing to reducing the burden on traditional control areas.

The People's Committee of Da Nang City requested the Ministry of Construction to support the acceleration of investment projects to upgrade and expand the terminal, aircraft parking area, and related technical infrastructure items to enhance the airport's operational capacity, in line with passenger growth rates and development orientations. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and related investors are urged to expedite the implementation of ongoing projects.

Tourists line up in long queues to check in for their flights at Da Nang airport.

Regarding the Ministry of Finance, the city requested that the Ministry direct the Vietnam Customs Department to allocate sufficient personnel and open as many baggage inspection lanes as possible during peak hours; strengthen guidance, traffic flow management, and risk management applications to shorten inspection times and ensure smooth operations. They also requested research into applying technological solutions to improve baggage handling capacity and reduce passenger waiting times.

Da Nang also requested the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam to direct the Central Vietnam Aviation Authority to strengthen supervision, improve procedures, enhance flight slot coordination, and allocate operating timeframes appropriately; and to direct airlines and ground service units to improve service quality, promote the application of technology, and apply biometric technology to optimize service processes.

We propose that ACV direct Da Nang International Airport to accelerate the investment and upgrading of runways and landing areas; implement plans to upgrade, expand, and enhance airport operational capacity; optimize operational procedures at the domestic terminal, security area, baggage conveyor belts, etc.; and increase staffing during peak hours. We also request a review and rational arrangement of functional areas within the terminal, the addition of screening areas at the domestic terminal; and the implementation of solutions to regulate passenger flow and optimize service procedures.

Source: https://znews.vn/san-bay-da-nang-keu-cuu-post1637671.html