At exactly 6:00 a.m. on December 19, in a solemn and celebratory atmosphere, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, together with leaders from various ministries and agencies, officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the T2 Passenger Terminal Expansion Project at Noi Bai International Airport.
This is a key transport infrastructure project of strategic significance, marking an important milestone in upgrading Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure and proactively meeting the strong growth momentum of international tourism and trade at the gateway to the capital city of Hanoi.
Swift completion – relieving infrastructure pressure
Commenced in May 2024, the project was completed in just over 18 months thanks to relentless efforts, despite the immense challenge of simultaneous construction and the requirement to ensure absolute safety for hundreds of daily operating flights.
The inauguration at this time carries special significance, as it timely alleviates congestion pressure at the largest aviation gateway in northern Vietnam ahead of the Lunar New Year peak and the 2026 tourism season.
The project expands the total terminal floor area to more than 200,000 square metres, increasing annual handling capacity from 10 million to 15 million passengers (with the ability to serve up to 18 million passengers per year). It also enhances operational capacity with the number of boarding gates increasing from 17 to 30, and passenger boarding bridges rising from 14 to 27, meeting the strong growth in international air travel demand.
Pioneering the “Smart Airport” model
Beyond physical expansion, the extended T2 Passenger Terminal stands as a powerful symbol of ACV’s digital transformation strategy.
For the first time, a fully integrated digital technology ecosystem has been synchronously deployed at an international terminal in Vietnam. From self-service check-in kiosks and self baggage drop systems to automated immigration lanes and biometric-based security screening, all components form a seamless “digital passenger flow.”
This breakthrough marks a fundamental shift in airport operations—from manual processes to automation—optimising operational efficiency while elevating the passenger experience to standards comparable with leading airports in the region and worldwide.
Green architecture – cultural identity and sustainable development
Alongside technological innovation, the project leaves a strong imprint through its sustainable architectural mindset, embodying the Green Airport concept. The terminal features open spaces that maximise natural lighting and integrate ecological green areas, creating relaxing “breathing spaces” amid the airport’s dynamic rhythm.
At the same time, local cultural values are subtly woven into the modern architectural setting, reinforcing Noi Bai’s position as the first cultural touchpoint welcoming international visitors to Vietnam.
As the international gateway of the capital—serving state, diplomatic and high-priority flights—Noi Bai’s T2 Passenger Terminal today is no longer merely an infrastructure facility, but a symbol of bold vision and decisive action.
The project’s success significantly enhances the quality and technological standard of Hanoi’s aviation gateway, playing an important role in building an increasingly attractive and impressive image of the capital in the eyes of domestic and international visitors alike.
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded at 6:10 a.m., the entire expanded infrastructure system officially welcomed the first passengers of the new day, ushering in a promising new chapter of operations.
Noi Bai International Airport is now ready for take-off with a “NEW STATURE – NEW STATUS,” continuing its mission of connectivity and carrying Vietnam’s aspirations onto the global stage.