Noi Bai Airport Implements New Passenger Pick-up/Drop-off Scheme to Ease Congestion

Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, has implemented a new traffic management scheme for passenger pick-up and drop-off, effective August 3, 2023, aiming to significantly reduce congestion around the terminals. The new system segregates different types of vehicles to designated areas, improving traffic flow. Previously, private cars and some transport vehicles would stop for extended periods near the departure and arrival halls of Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international), leading to traffic jams and disordered parking. Under the new regulations, private cars with fewer than 9 seats are allocated to areas closer to the terminal front (columns 1-7), while larger vehicles and tourist buses must use designated spots further back (columns 7-10). Passenger transport vehicles with fewer than 9 seats are now directed to lane number 3, away from the immediate terminal front, to reduce the volume of vehicles in the busiest areas. While some initial confusion was observed, with a few drivers of 45-seater tourist buses attempting to drop off passengers in incorrect zones, authorities provided guidance, and vehicles quickly complied. Ride-hailing services and other commercial transport vehicles are no longer permitted to pick up passengers directly at the arrival halls. Instead, they are directed to designated parking lots. At Terminal 1, these vehicles must wait at parking area E, located 100-200 meters from the main arrival halls (A, B). For Terminal 2, ride-hailing and contract vehicles with fewer than 9 seats are directed to parking lot P1, approximately 400 meters away. This relocation has raised concerns among some passengers, particularly those with heavy luggage, the elderly, or individuals with mobility issues, who now face longer walks to reach their waiting vehicles. A representative from a transport company noted that for international visitors, more convenient pick-up points are needed to present a better image. The airport authorities stated that the new scheme is a result of close coordination with the border police. Clearer segregation of traffic flows for different vehicle types, including white-plate private vehicles, yellow-plate commercial vehicles (ride-hailing), and taxis, has been established. Parking time limits of 3-5 minutes are enforced, and improved signage is being installed. The airport management plans to continuously monitor the effectiveness of the new system and make necessary adjustments to infrastructure and signage to further enhance passenger service quality. They advise passengers to familiarize themselves with the new layout and follow the directions of traffic controllers. Information source: VnExpress