Noi Bai International Airport is the gateway to Hanoi’s cultural attractions. It serves as a hub for both domestic travel within Vietnam and international visitors exploring the city.
The airport is an important transport hub for those seeking to traverse either business or leisure in northern Vietnam. Today, vietnamtravelers.com will provide all helpful information about this large airport. Now, let’s start!
Contents
Noi Bai International Airport’s Location
Noi Bai International Airport (IATA: HAN) is located in Phu Minh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi. It is approximately 28 kilometers away from the city center and serves as a gateway to northern Vietnam.
This is the second largest airport in Vietnam and serves as a hub for airlines. They are Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air,…
In terms of international travel, the airport has flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo, among other places in Asia. It also has direct flights to London, Frankfurt, and Paris, which are all big cities in Europe.
History
During the resistance war against foreign invaders, this airport was the military base of the Vietnamese Air Force. In 1977, the airport underwent a big change so that both military and civilian planes could use it. Then, in 1978, it proudly hosted the first international flights.
Transportation from airport to city center
You can get to other famous places in Hanoi, like the One Pillar Pagoda, the Long Bien Bridge, and the Hanoi Old Quarter,… from Noi Bai Airport. Here are some means of transportation to help you do that:
Taxi
Taking a taxi is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to get to the airport. So, to make your Hanoi travels more seamless, you can always take a cab from the city center to Noi Bai International Airport and back.
You need not worry about this process because it can be easily done online or through your hotel’s receptionist. The fare should range between 180,000 and 250,000 VND.
Airport shuttle bus
Certain airlines offer shuttle buses as a convenient way for passengers to travel between the heart of Hanoi and Noi Bai Airport. As a result, it makes your trip faster and smoother.
You can locate the bus stop in front of Terminal 1, and a single ride will only cost you 40,000 VND per person. It’s an amazing way to get around for such a small sum – give it a go!
Bus
There are several bus routes available to take people to Noi Bai International Airport. They includes routes from downtown Hanoi and other major cities nearby. Although the journey time varies depending on the route and traffic, it is typically a comfortable and affordable price.
Use vehicle booking apps
With Grab, GoViet and Be apps at your disposal, you can effortlessly book rides from the comfort of your smartphone. Plus, their prices are often lower in comparison to hailing a taxi on the spot!
The cost of a Grab taxi typically lies between 250,000 and 390,000 VND (12-17 USD). One convenient thing is that these taxis are situated outside the airport’s arriving hall. Therefore, you can give yourself a few extra minutes if you plan to catch one.
The airport’s cutting-edge facilities
Terminal
Domestic terminal 1 (T1) was opened in 2001. A decade later, work began on a new extra part of the terminal (Lobby E) to accommodate the growing number of travelers.
When the renovations are done in 2018, the terminal will be able to handle up to 15 million people a year. From now on, terminal 1 have utilized for domestic flights.
International Terminal 2 (T2) could have as many as 10 million passengers a year. This is next to the original terminal. In 2015, the inaugural international terminal and freeway were officially opened. It has served for international flights.
Runway
- The runway 1 (CAT I—11L/29R) is a 3,200-meter paved track that dates back to an earlier era.
- The runway 2 (CAT II – 11R/29L) is the major runway of the airport, with a 3,800-meter paved runway.
Airport apron
This airport has recently expanded its apron, now providing 47 additional aprons for aircraft. An emergency apron and VAECO’s aircraft maintenance/repair-specific apron are available. Besides, the isolation apron, nestled in the north, enjoys proximity to a military area.
an apron for parking and dealing with aircraft, comprising: a hardened support layer which is arranged on the ground and is reinforced in such a manner that the dynamic and static loads which occur when aircraft
Source: https://patents.google.com/
- T1 is 230,000 square meters and has 23 parking stands for airplanes.
- T2 is 280,000 square meters in size and has 24 parking stands for airplanes.
Accessible services at Noi Bai International Airport
Lost & Found service
Noi Bai International Airport has a department called the Lost and Found Room. This is the place to receive luggage and other items left by passengers at the passenger terminal. Therefore, all lost luggage received and handed over within the day is posted on its website to help passengers easily find it.
Medical Service
Noi Bai International Airport ensures the provision of emergency services to passengers. Moreover, a medical force at Noi Bai International Airport with a team of good doctors and nurses. In addition, modern facilities and equipment, a full pharmacy, 24/24h…
Free battery charging station
Noi Bai International Airport offers free electrical device charging to improve customer service. To suit traveler demands, each location has 10 popular phone charging pins.
Food service
Whether you’re searching for a delicious Vietnamese meal, fast food from around the globe, or a cozy coffee shop, T1 and T2 terminals have it all. These hubs are open 24 hours a day. Therefore, no matter when your craving strikes, you can find what you need!
Plus, they provide free Wi-Fi access as well as multiple charging points to ensure that your phone or laptop remain juiced up at all times.
Exchange currency stalls and ATM services
In addition to the kiosk for exchanging currencies, airport have ATMs from the famous bank in Vietnam such as Vietinbank, ACB, OCB,…
You can use your debit card at an automated teller machine, or ATM, to get money from your checking account.
Source: https://consumer.gov/
Duty-free shopping
Noi Bai airport features duty-free shopping and souvenirs. Especially, each terminal has two NIA Duty-Free stores. Shops sell fragrances, beauty items, clothes, fine art, Vietnamese handicrafts, textiles, and apparel,…Therefore, you can buy them as gifts,…
Flight departure and arrival procedures
International flight departure
- Check-in
- Security screening
- Boarding gate
- Boarding
- Takeoff
International flight arrival
- Landing
- Immigration check
- Baggage claim
- Customs check
- Connecting flights
- Exit
Domestic flights within Vietnam
- Go to the second floor of the T1 terminal to access the departure hall.
- Present your airline ticket and any necessary personal documentation upon checking in.
- Go through the security check.
- Get into position in the departure lounge and get ready to board.
Connecting flights process
Process connecting flights between different countries
- The second floor of the terminal building is where you can check in for international flights with connections.
- You can forego going through the immigration process.
- The security checkpoint is on the third floor. Passengers and their carry-on luggage must go there.
- Consider the processes that must be followed for passengers arriving from abroad.
Connecting flights within VietNam
- Follow the procedures for international arrival passengers at immigration.
- Take the complimentary shuttle bus to the T1 terminal.
- Checking in for a flight inside the country
Transit
If you’re simply passing from one country to the next via an airport, most of the time a visa is not necessary as long as you remain in the security area. For example, with affordable airlines such as VietJet, even your boarding pass can be collected there!
Conclusion
All in all, Noi Bai International Airport is an excellent place for travelers. Its modern amenities and dedicated staff create a pleasant environment and experience. Besides, the airport is well-positioned to handle the increasing number of international travelers heading to and from Ha Noi. So, if you are planning a trip to Hanoi, be sure to make Noi Bai International Airport your first stop for a truly unique travel experience!