From September 22 to 24, 2026, representatives of Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), together with a delegation from the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security and the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the 21st ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (ICAO TRIP/21) Conference and Exhibition in Montreal, Canada.

The delegation attending the ICAO TRIP/21 Conference and Exhibition in Montreal, Canada

ICAO TRIP/21 is an important international forum that brings together government authorities, aviation organizations, and technology providers to exchange views on emerging trends in traveller identification, Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs), biometrics, and system interoperability. Participation in the event allowed ACV to gain insights into the latest international standards, technological solutions, and operational practices, supporting the implementation of Directive No. 24/CT-TTg issued by the Prime Minister on promoting technology solutions associated with population data, digital identification, and electronic authentication.

Putting passengers at the center with a seamless, contactless experience

As an airport operator, ACV is actively working towards an “End-to-End Biometric Passenger Journey”, an integrated technology ecosystem designed to digitize and seamlessly connect key touchpoints throughout the passenger journey, from check-in and security screening to boarding.

The model aims to reduce manual procedures, minimize the need for passengers to present multiple documents at different checkpoints, and enhance connectivity, data sharing and authentication across systems. This will contribute to a more convenient, efficient and seamless passenger experience while maintaining compliance with aviation security and safety requirements.

To ensure stable and reliable operation in a real-world airport environment, ACV places strong emphasis on system accuracy, reliability and interoperability. In addition to robust biometric identification capabilities, systems must incorporate appropriate mechanisms for handling cases where data has not yet been synchronized or where exceptional situations arise. This is intended to minimize disruptions to passenger processing and maintain smooth passenger flows throughout airport terminals.

Researching core technology trends to prepare for the "End-to-End Biometric Journey" model at ACV airports

Expanding deployment at key airports

ACV is currently working closely with the National Aviation Security Center under the Immigration Department (A08) of the Ministry of Public Security to integrate national security requirements into passenger processing procedures at its airports in a seamless and effective manner.

At Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Noi Bai International Airport, ACV continues to review passenger processes and flows, assess operational effectiveness, and optimize the passenger experience at locations where biometric solutions have been implemented. At Long Thanh International Airport, system integration solutions and advanced biometric operating scenarios have been incorporated from the design and preparation stages and are being considered and tested as part of the airport’s operational readiness process. These efforts are intended to establish a technological foundation for modern and integrated passenger processing when the airport enters operation.

Turning international experience into practical solutions

The experience, international practices and emerging technology trends presented at ICAO TRIP/21 will be further studied and assessed by ACV for practical application. The insights gained will contribute to the continued development of ACV-ID standards, as well as the updating and development of technical documents, operational materials and training resources for relevant personnel.

The expansion of biometric applications across ACV’s airport network will be implemented progressively, taking into account operational results, infrastructure readiness, system capabilities and coordination among relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Through its active engagement with international aviation developments, ACV continues to strengthen its technological capabilities and operational standards, with the aim of delivering passenger journeys that are increasingly secure, convenient, seamless and aligned with international connectivity requirements.

News and photos: Airports Operation Department