A domestic air passenger uses mobile devices for security check at Nội Bài International Airport in Hà Nội in June. — Photo vietnamnet.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Civil Aviation Administration of Việt Nam (CAAV) has just submitted a report detailing challenges arising during the trial of using the e-identification app VNeID for domestic air travel. 

The pilot programme allows users with eID accounts at level-2, which means their information has been verified by authorities, to use the app for security checks for domestic flights. 

However, the CAAV reported that several airports in mountainous areas or on islands have unstable connections, which is an obstacle to using VNeID. 

Meanwhile, most passengers use the same device for the e-identification app and for storing their online check-in code, which proves inconvenient for security officers to cross-check information. 

In addition to this, details of a person’s ID also appear in a small font size in the app, particularly on devices with smaller screens. 

Elderly passengers also have a difficult time figuring out the app. 

According to a report by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and Vân Đồn International Airport, on average, 0.64 per cent of air passengers use VNeID for domestic flights. 

It takes approximately 20 seconds for security officers to directly check their information. If a person’s data needs further inspection through QR code scanning, this figure is 24 seconds on average. 

A passenger using traditional papers usually passes through direct security checks in around six seconds. 

The CAAV has requested proactive solutions to address these shortcomings. 

The administration also proposed that an official document be sent to the Committee for Management of State Capital at Enterprises, which will then direct the ACV to implement equipment procurement procedures to solve the challenges outlined in the CAAV’s report.

This pilot programme is expected to run from June 1 to August 1 this year, per the approval of the transport ministry. — VNS