Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport (IATA: HAN, ICAO: VVNB) is the primary airport serving Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, and the surrounding northern region. It is the largest airport in northern Vietnam and one of the busiest in the country, serving both domestic and international passengers.

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Overview

Noi Bai International Airport is located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) north of Hanoi city center in Soc Son District. The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1: Domestic flights
• Terminal 2: International flights

It serves as a hub for major Vietnamese airlines including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways, offering connections to cities across Asia and beyond.

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History

Noi Bai Airport was originally constructed in 1978 to replace an older airfield closer to the city center. Over the years, the airport has undergone multiple expansions:

• 2001: Renovation of Terminal 1 for domestic flights
• 2014: Opening of Terminal 2 for international flights with a capacity of 10 million passengers per year
• 2020s: Expansion projects underway to increase annual passenger capacity to 30–40 million

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Terminals

Terminal 1 (Domestic Terminal)

• Handles all domestic flights within Vietnam
• Equipped with check-in counters, security checkpoints, baggage services, and VIP lounges
• Offers retail shops, dining options, and ground transport connections

Terminal 2 (International Terminal)

• Serves international flights with modern facilities
• Includes immigration and customs services, lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, and currency exchange counters
• Designed to meet international aviation standards

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Airlines and Destinations

Noi Bai International Airport serves a wide range of domestic and international destinations:

• Domestic: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Phu Quoc, and more
• International: Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities

Major airlines operating at Noi Bai:

• Vietnam Airlines
• VietJet Air
• Bamboo Airways
• AirAsia
• Korean Air
• ANA
• Singapore Airlines

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Facilities

Noi Bai International Airport provides a variety of services for travelers:

• Luggage services: Storage, baggage trolleys, and lost & found
• Banking and currency exchange: ATMs, banks, and money changers
• Dining and shopping: Cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, and souvenir stores
• VIP services: Lounges, fast-track immigration, and concierge services
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, information counters, and shuttle services

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How to Reach

Travelers can access Hanoi city and surrounding areas via multiple modes of transport:

• Taxi: Official airport taxis are available 24/7; travel time to Hanoi city center is approximately 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Ride-hailing apps: Grab and other services are available at both terminals.
• Public bus: Buses No. 17, 90, and 109 connect the airport to central Hanoi.
• Car rental: Rental agencies operate at the airport for self-drive options.
• Private transfers: Many hotels provide pick-up and drop-off services for guests.

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Expansion and Future Plans

Ongoing developments at Noi Bai International Airport aim to improve capacity and services:

• Addition of a third runway and taxiways
• Expansion of Terminal 2 and construction of new terminals
• Enhanced ground transport infrastructure, including potential high-speed rail connections

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Statistics

• Passenger traffic: Over 30 million passengers in 2023
• Aircraft movements: More than 200,000 flights per year
• Cargo volume: Handles over 200,000 tons annually

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Conclusion

Noi Bai International Airport is a vital gateway for northern Vietnam, connecting Hanoi with major domestic and international destinations. With modern facilities, extensive transport options, and ongoing expansion projects, the airport continues to enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers each year. It serves as both a major aviation hub and a convenient entry point for travelers exploring Vietnam’s capital and northern regions.