Taxis entering Nội Bài International Airport to pick up passengers. — VNA/VNS Photo Quang Toàn

HÀ NỘI — From next year, drivers will not have to pay a toll when entering some airports to pick up or drop people off, the Airports Corporation of Việt Nam (ACV) announced on Tuesday.

The Government will decide the length of time for free pick up and drop off, while drivers who stay at the airport for longer will have to pay parking fees.

For years, drivers of any four-wheel vehicle have had to pay at least VNĐ 10,000 to enter almost all airports managed by the ACV, no matter how long they stay there.

Last year, the Government Inspectorate found the ACV was unlawful when imposing road toll fees at 19 out of 21 airports of ACV. From 2012 to 2017, the ACV collected total airport road tolls of more than VNĐ 550 billion (US$23.6 million).

According to the ACV, it spent the airport road tolls to partly cover the cost of the operation and maintenance of roads leading to airport terminals.

The corporation said it had invoices relating to the toll fees and fulfilled tax obligations over the revenue.

In preparation for the fee exemption next year, the ACV said it would improve automobile surveillance systems at its airports and develop time-based fee schemes.

The work is expected to be complete this year, allowing the new tolls to be applied in the ACV’s airports next year. — VNS