Noi Bai International Airport: Ultimate guide for arrivals and departures

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Noi Bai International Airport offers easy travels to destinations in Vietnam and around the world (Source: Collected)

Noi Bai International Airport, the bustling hub connecting Hanoi to the world, is the gateway to your Hanoi travel journey. Serving millions of passengers annually, this airport is an integral part of the capital city’s economic, cultural, and tourism growth. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the information you need to know about Noi Bai, ensuring a smooth and memorable flight.

1. About Noi Bai International Airport Hanoi Vietnam

• Where is Noi Bai International Airport? Noi Bai International Airport address: Phu Minh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi, about 30 kilometers away from the city center
• Noi Bai International Airport code: 

• • IATA (International Air Transport Association) code: HAN
  • ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) code: VVNB

1.1. History

Noi Bai International Airport has a rich history that dates back to the time of the resistance war against foreign invaders. In the past, with limited capacity and facilities, it served as a military base for the Vietnamese Air Force. In 1977, the airport was upgraded and renovated to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region and began serving both military and civil flights. In 1978, it welcomed its first international flights.

Noi Bai International Airport is the largest airport in Northern Vietnam (Source: Collected)

In 2001, a major expansion of Noi Bai International Airport was completed after a six-year construction period, which saw the opening of Terminal 1 to serve both domestic and international passengers. In 2015, the airport underwent another expansion to further increase its capacity. Terminal 2 was inaugurated, which is dedicated solely to international flights. Terminal 1 switched to serving only domestic flights.

In recent years, Noi Bai Airport has continued to see rapid growth, with a steady increase in passenger traffic and new flights to various destinations. The airport is home to numerous Vietnamese and including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines for domestic flights. Some international carriers here are Korean Air, China Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Today, it is one of the three biggest airports in Vietnam, alongside Tan Son Nhat and Da Nang International Airports.

The history of Noi Bai International Airport reflects the growth and development of the aviation industry in Vietnam, as well as the important role it plays in connecting the country to the rest of the world.

Noi Bai Airport now serves as a gateway to Vietnam for millions of travelers each year (Source: Collected)

1.2. The modern infrastructure of Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai Airport not only caters to civil flights but also operates military ones. It has separate areas for the two, with the civil sector located in the south of the runway and the military in the north. It has well-developed infrastructure, providing passengers with a safe, comfortable, and efficient experience.

• Terminals 

The airport features two terminals, Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights, which are connected by a shuttle bus service. Both terminals are equipped with various modern facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, post offices, currency exchange services, and ATMs.

• Runways

Noi Bai Airport boasts two parallel runways: 11L/29R and 11R/29L, which are situated 250 meters away from each other. This design allows for a safe and efficient flow of air traffic, as simultaneous takeoffs and landings are not permitted on the two runways.

• • The 11L/29R runway, also referred to as 1A, is 3,200 meters long and 45 meters wide, offering ample space for aircraft to safely land and take off.
  • The 11R/29L runway, or 1B, is even longer, with a length of 3,800 meters and a width of 45 meters.

This ensures that Noi Bai Airport is well equipped to handle a wide range of aircraft types and sizes, making it an essential hub for aviation in Vietnam.

The runaways at Noi Bai International Airport are well-equipped to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region (Source: Collected)

• Aircraft aprons

Noi Bai Airport features two aircraft aprons, with a total of 47 parking spots for aircraft. These aprons are designed to accommodate a variety of aircraft types at any given time.

• • T1: 230,000 square meters, 23 aircraft parking stands
  • T2: 280,000 square meters, 24 aircraft parking stands

In addition to the main aprons, there is also an isolation apron in the north and a VAECO apron for aircraft repair and maintenance, which can be utilized in emergencies.

With modern infrastructure, Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport offers smooth travel (Source: Collected)

2. How many terminals does Noi Bai International Airport have?

As mentioned above, Noi Bai International Airport Hanoi Vietnam consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international ones.

2.1. Noi Bai International Airport terminal 1 for domestic passengers

Terminal 1 at Noi Bai Airport is 115,000 square meters in size. It can accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually. It has four floors equipped with modern equipment and facilities for both air and ground services, including:

• First floor: Arrival and baggage claim areas
• Second floor: Check-in, baggage drop-off, and waiting areas for departing passengers
• Third floor: Administrative offices for airport staff
• Fourth floor: Restaurants, fast food counters, and souvenir shops

The map of Noi Bai International Airport Terminal 1 (Source: Collected)

2.2. Noi Bai International Airport terminal 2 for international passengers

Terminal 2 of Noi Bai Airport spans an area of 139,216 square meters. It can handle up to 10 million passengers each year. The building boasts a modern design that is in harmony with nature. With an initial investment of 18,000 billion VND, it is fully equipped with the latest and most advanced technological systems.

The layout of Terminal 2 is as follows:

• First floor: International Arrival Hall
• Second floor: Immigration and Customs procedures for Transit and International Arrivals
• Third floor: International Departure Hall
• Fourth floor: Lounge for Business Class and Commercial Air Services

3. What are the utility services of Noi Bai International Airport?

Noi Bai Airport provides various ground services to cater to the needs of passengers. Some of them include:

• ATM service: ATMs are located in the lobby area on the first floor of Terminal 1 and the east and west wings of Terminal 2.
• Free trolley service: Trolleys can be found on the second floor of Lobby A, B, and E of Terminal 1, and the departure and arrival lounges of Terminal 2.
• Luggage packing service: Available on the second floor of Lobby A, B, and E of Terminal 1 and the lobby area on the third floor of Terminal 2.
• Free battery charging service: Available in the lobby areas of both terminals, including Terminal 1’s Lobby A-E and the departure lounge on the second floor, and Terminal 2’s lobby on the third floor and the departure lounge.

• Food: Passengers can find various food stalls in both terminals, the lobby, and departure lounges.
• Sleeping pods: These pods are 4 square meters large and located on the second and third floors of Terminal 1 and the second floor of Terminal 2. They are suitable for passengers to take a nap for early morning Noi Bai International Airport departures, long transfers, or unexpected delays.
• Noi Bai International Airport shops: Shops selling souvenirs and Vietnamese specialties, handicrafts, textiles, cosmetics, and accessories can be found in the departure lounges of both terminals.
• Other services include Noi Bai International Airport duty free shops, locker rooms, and more.

4. Things to know about the check-in procedures at Noi Bai Airport

To ensure a smooth and stress-free check-in experience at Noi Bai Airport, here are some important things to keep in mind: 

➟ For international flights

• International passengers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their scheduled flight departure time to make sufficient time for check-in, immigration, and security procedures.
• Passengers are required to show a valid passport, visa (if required), and boarding pass at the check-in counter.
• Luggage allowance and weight restrictions may vary depending on the airline and ticket class, so it is important to check with the airline beforehand.
• Excess baggage fees may apply for passengers who exceed the allowed luggage limit.
• After checking in, passengers should proceed to immigration for passport control and security screening before proceeding to the departure lounge.
• Security screening procedures may include a scan of hand luggage, personal items, and body search.
• Passengers with disabilities or special needs should inform the airline or airport in advance to arrange for assistance.

Passengers should be aware of the check-in procedures at Noi Bai Airport for a hassle-free flight (Source: Collected)

➟ For domestic flights

• Check-in counters usually open 2 hours before the scheduled departure time and close 45 minutes before departure.
• Passengers are required to bring a valid ID card and a ticket to check in.
• Passengers can check in at the counters provided by the airline, either manually or through self-service kiosks.
• Luggage must be checked in before the cut-off time, and the maximum weight allowed for checked-in luggage varies by airline.
• For online check-in, passengers must have a printed boarding pass or a digital one on their mobile device.
• After checking in, passengers must proceed to security checks before proceeding to the departure lounge.

*** For more information about the check-in process, passengers can contact the airline or visit Noi Bai International Airport’s website

5. The best tips for your arrival to Noi Bai International Airport

Before embarking on your journey with Noi Bai Airport, here are some tips to make your experience more comfortable:

• Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents with you, such as passport, visa (if required), and any other relevant papers.
• Familiarize yourself with the airport’s layout, facilities, and services so you can easily navigate your way around. You can find Noi Bai International Airport map online or at any information desk inside the airport.
• Take advantage of the airport’s free Wi-Fi to catch up on emails, check your flight status, or just browse online.
• Consider exchanging currency at the airport to have local currency on hand for transportation and any other expenses.

Thorough preparation will ensure a smooth and convenient journey with Noi Bai Airport (Source: Collected)

• Pack a small carry-on bag with essential items such as water, snacks, and entertainment to keep you comfortable during any layovers or delays.
• If you have a lot of luggage, take advantage of the baggage storage facilities available at the airport to make your time at the airport more comfortable.
• If you are not familiar with the local language, consider downloading a language translation app or carrying a translation device with you.
• If you want to get from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi city center or vice versa, there are many means of transportation available for you to choose from, including Noi Bai Airport taxi, bus (bus No. 86 Noi Bai Airport), private car, and ride-hailing services. Regardless of the means chosen, it is recommended to check the cost and estimated travel time beforehand to avoid any confusion or unexpected expenses.

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Noi Bai International Airport is also a gateway to many wonderful destinations in Vietnam. From here, travelers can take flights to picturesque places like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Da Nang, each of which boasts its own unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. To make the most of your visit, it is essential to plan ahead and decide where to stay, what to see and do, and what to eat.

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Noi Bai International Airport serves as a gateway to the beautiful and vibrant city of Hanoi and beyond. With its modern facilities and comprehensive services, travelers can expect a smooth and convenient journey. Whether you are flying in for a business trip or a leisure holiday, Noi Bai Airport is the perfect starting point for a memorable experience.

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