Pilot testing of passenger authentication system using chip-based citizen ID cards at aviation security checkpoints in Vietnam

Using Facial Recognition Cameras in Vietnam

Following Document No. 5259/CHK-ANHK dated October 28, 2022, from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, Cat Bi International Airport (under ACV) has cooperated with relevant units to install equipment and configure software for the trial operation of the passenger authentication system utilizing e-ID cards at the aviation security checkpoints for domestic flights.

Establish a connection system between the airport and the Ministry of Public Security’s e-ID database to control domestic air travelers to enhance accuracy; promptly prevent and detect passengers using fake documents to board aircraft; screen individuals on no-fly lists or those subject to secondary visual inspections/visual luggage inspections...

From early February 2023, Cat Bi International Airport has piloted 01 special lane dedicated to domestic air passengers using e-ID cards. The next phase will explore the development of automated verification devices that do not require aviation security personnel control, aiming to reduce manpower.

Quick Detection of Passengers Using Fake Documents in Vietnam

At aviation security checkpoints, devices reading e-ID cards and specialized cameras are installed to match passengers' faces with the information available on their e-ID cards.

The VeriPAX software, self-developed by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), displays all the information read from the e-ID card, travel details, and connects to the list of passengers who have completed flight check-in to match boarding passes with passengers' travel routes.

Additionally, VeriPAX is connected to the no-fly list database of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam to swiftly identify if passengers are on this "blacklist."

Moreover, VeriPAX has features that alert users if a passenger’s checked luggage requires a visual inspection; it also controls passengers using various ID documents without using e-ID cards.

Control Procedures in Vietnam 

At the domestic passenger security checkpoint, aviation security personnel scan the e-ID card and boarding pass using specialist devices while matching the passenger's face. The e-ID authentication system verifies and returns passenger information, travel details, and cross-references with no-fly lists/mandatory visual inspections/checked luggage visual inspections.

If the system records matching information on the e-ID card and facial comparison, confirming correct travel details, aviation security personnel allow the passenger to proceed to the screening area. If any detail does not match or the passenger’s name is on the no-fly list/needs a visual inspection, aviation security personnel follow regulated security checking procedures.

Trial Results in Vietnam 

Cat Bi International Airport began trial operations using facial recognition cameras for check-in procedures on February 01, 2023. To date, 758 passengers have participated in the trial, with 746 e-ID cards recognized (98.4%), a 100% facial recognition rate, an average time of approximately 15 seconds per passenger for reading the e-ID card and boarding pass, and an average control time of 60 seconds per passenger.

The trial results indicate that the system has substantially aided aviation security in passenger control, though some issues remain, such as the slow reading speed of e-ID cards by the devices; inability to read some e-ID cards due to card faults, blurry, or dirty MRZ codes...

With new technologies creating breakthroughs across various industries, digital transformation has become a top priority for any enterprise, not just in aviation. Thus, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam remains focused on optimizing scientific and technological applications to enhance passenger service efficiency, improve customer experience, increase revenue, and more effectively utilize the current workforce.

According to the Ministry of Transport's electronic information portal

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