Noi Bai International Airport expands terminal T2 to ease congestion, boost capacity
The Hanoi-based airport has officially completed the expansion of Terminal T2, raising passenger capacity and rolling out advanced digital systems to ease congestion and improve service ahead of peak holiday travel.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) today (December 19) inaugurated the expansion of Terminal T2 at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport after 18 months of construction with a total investment of nearly US$200 million.
Delegates perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo: Pham Cong/The Hanoi Times
Launched in May 2024, the project aims to ensure safe, uninterrupted airport operations while handling hundreds of daily flights and easing congestion at northern Vietnam’s largest aviation gateway ahead of the Lunar New Year travel surge.
Following the expansion, Terminal T2 now spans more than 200,000 square meters. Its designed capacity has increased from 10 million to 15 million passengers per year, with operational flexibility to serve up to 18 million passengers annually.
The project has also strengthened aircraft handling capacity. The number of boarding gates has risen from 17 to 30, while passenger boarding bridges have increased from 14 to 27.
A standout feature of the expanded Terminal T2 is the integrated deployment of a digital technology ecosystem. The terminal now operates check-in kiosks, self-service baggage drop systems, automated immigration lanes and biometric security screening.
According to ACV, these technologies create a seamless digital passenger flow and accelerate the transition from manual processing to automated airport operations.
Beyond technology upgrades, the terminal adopts an open architectural design that maximizes natural light, incorporates green elements and reflects local cultural identity within a modern space.
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the expanded Terminal T2 entered full operation and welcomed its first international passengers.
Terminal T2 unveils a new look after just 18 months of construction.
As the capital’s main aviation gateway, the Noi Bai International Airport is among Vietnam’s largest and busiest airports. From January to November 2025, it handled nearly 13 million passengers, ranking second nationwide and processed about 700,000 tons of cargo, the highest volume in the country.
Under the national aviation development plan, the Noi Bai International Airport is expected to raise its capacity to 60 million passengers per year by 2030, with a long-term vision of reaching 100 million passengers by 2050.
Terminal T2 has served international flights at the airport since January 2015. The terminal required a total investment of VND18 trillion (US$707 million), funded through official development assistance loans.
International travel demand quickly exceeded initial projections. In 2019 alone, Terminal T2 handled 11.4 million passengers, surpassing its original design capacity of 10 million passengers per year.
Digital check-in counters installed at the Terminal T2.
