After more than 18 months of urgent construction (commenced on 19/5/2024), the T2 passenger terminal expansion project is expected to be officially inaugurated and put into operation from 19/12/2025. This is a key project that helps relieve infrastructure pressure, increasing the designed capacity from 10 million to 15 million passengers per year.

1. The effort of “Simultaneous construction – simultaneous operation” ensures absolute safety
The project is implemented in the context of the existing T2 Terminal being overloaded. With an initial designed capacity of 10 million passengers/year, in just the first 11 months of 2025, the terminal has already served nearly 13 million passengers, exceeding its designed capacity. The rising frequency of international flights poses major challenges for relevant units in ensuring security, safety, and service quality during simultaneous construction and operation.
However, throughout the construction period, Noi Bai International Airport has closely coordinated with the Management Board of the T2 expansion project and contractors to establish strict control measures. The collective effort of officers and employees has ensured both project progress and stable airport operations, maintaining absolute safety for flight activities.

2. Scale and infrastructure after expansion:
The completed project increases the total floor area from 139,216 m² to 200,164 m². Operational capacity is significantly enhanced:

• Check-in counters: increased from 04 islands to 06 islands; raising the number of existing check-in counters from 96 to 144, including 24 Self Bag Drop counters.

• New additions: 24 check-in kiosks enabling passengers to check in without queuing at counters.

• Security screening: increased from 02 to 03 passenger security screening areas (A, B, C).

• Boarding gates: increased from 17 to 30 gates, numbered progressively from the central area to the East and West wings.

• Baggage carousels: inbound baggage reclaim systems increased from 06 to 08 carousels, reducing immigration waiting time.

3. Pioneering technology application, creating a “Smart Airport”.
The T2 expansion project marks a strong transformation for Noi Bai International Airport in digitizing aviation procedures. For the first time, an ecosystem of automated equipment is synchronously implemented, empowering passengers and optimizing operational capacity:

• Automated passenger processes (Self-service): At the departure hall, 24 Check-in Kiosks and 24 Self Bag Drop counters have been installed. The introduction of a large number of these devices enables passengers to fully manage seat selection, boarding pass printing, and baggage check-in independently, enhancing the passenger experience by reducing queuing.

• Smart Security Screening: The technological highlight is the upgraded security control system with 06 new-generation 3D X-ray scanners and 03 modern Body Scanners meeting TSA standards.

  • 3D baggage scanners: Integrated with automatic tray return and multi-dimensional 3D imaging, providing faster and more accurate screening, increasing throughput and shortening waiting times.

  • Body Scanners: Use absolutely safe millimeter-wave technology (no ionizing radiation, safe for pregnant women and pacemaker users). The device scans within seconds, accurately detects metallic and non-metallic objects, and ensures maximum privacy through neutral Avatar-style displayed images.

• Automated e-gates (Autogate): Alongside these devices, automated immigration e-gates are arranged at the Immigration Police area and boarding pass control points. The combination of Autogate and biometric devices accelerates immigration and security procedures, minimizing waiting time.

4. Green spaces and new passenger amenities:
The expanded T2 Terminal focuses on enhancing user experience through eco-friendly design (Green Airport) and dedicated amenities:

• The terminal is “greened” with ecological plant arrays subtly integrated into the landscape, creating refreshing “breathing spaces” that bring comfort and relaxation from the first steps into the airport.

• The amenity system is comprehensively upgraded, including strollers and baby-changing tables for families with small children; dedicated golf club racks for sports travelers; prayer rooms; and a luxurious scent system applied in public areas.

5. Operational trials with simulated flights: Ready for official operation day
To ensure smooth operation of the new infrastructure and technology system, from 04–06/12/2025, Noi Bai International Airport conducts trial runs with simulated flights.
The program includes participation from the Northern Airport Authority, Immigration Police, Customs Department, and 80 airport staff acting as passengers. Two simulated flights are operated: flight VJ1002 (Hanoi – Siem Reap) by Vietjet Air and flight VN1001 (Hanoi – Tokyo Narita) by Vietnam Airlines.
The key objective is to verify the integrated operation capability of the entire passenger service chain in the expanded area: from check-in, baggage drop-off, immigration, smart security screening, to boarding gates. This realistic scenario helps the Airport and terminal units assess coordination capacity, identify and resolve technical bottlenecks, and ensure synchronized, stable, and absolutely safe operations before the official “G hour”.
From 19/12/2025, Noi Bai International Airport will officially receive and put the expanded facilities into operation. Prior to this, the Airport has organized conferences to disseminate new operational procedures to all units working at the terminal. Passengers are advised to follow signage and flight information displays (FIDS) to move correctly within the new areas.
The inauguration of the expanded T2 Terminal on 19/12 will contribute to continuously enhancing service quality at Noi Bai International Airport, affirming its position as a major international gateway of the Capital and the country.