What Does Level 1 Aviation Security Mean at Vietnam Airports?

Last Update: Monday November 24, 2025

What Is Level 1 Aviation Security?

• Definition & Context
  In Vietnam, "Level 1" (cấp độ 1) in aviation security refers to a heightened, but not emergency, security posture. It’s part of a multi-level system that the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) uses.

• When It’s Applied

• During national holidays like Tết (Lunar New Year) or major public events, airports ramp up security.

• Special occasions: for example, Level 1 was put in place at many airports during the 30/4 – 1/5 national holiday.

• Also, the Ministry of Public Security recently reorganized to improve aviation security, which may affect how Level 1 is implemented. 

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What Extra Measures Are Taken Under Level 1?

When Level 1 security is activated, airports take a series of enhanced precautions, such as:

1. More Security Personnel

• The number of aviation security officers on duty is increased, especially in “restricted areas” (like the apron or zones close to the runway).
• During peak events, security units may boost their manpower by ~20%.

2. Stricter Passenger Screening

• Use of hand-held metal detectors on a higher portion of passengers or vehicles entering restricted zones.
• Visual inspection: a certain percentage (for example, 7%) of people, objects, or vehicles entering restricted areas are visually checked.
• During check-in, there is increased document verification — more interviews, checks of passports or ID.

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3. Random Checks

• Passengers: About 15% of passengers who pass through screening without triggering alarms may still be randomly selected for a visual re-check.
• Baggage: About 15% of both carry-on and checked luggage may be pulled aside for additional visual inspection (even if the X-ray image did not raise suspicion).
• Unaccompanied Luggage: Checked baggage that is not accompanied by a passenger may receive extra scrutiny before being loaded onto aircraft.

4. Access Control & Surveillance

• Limits are placed on who can move around public areas: certain people or vehicles might be restricted from circulating freely in terminal zones.
• Increased patrols and surveillance via cameras, especially in less visible or hidden zones (e.g., restrooms, bins) to make sure nothing is left unchecked.

5. Inter-Agency Coordination

• During Level 1, airport authorities coordinate more closely with local police and other security forces to respond quickly to any threat.
• There is a stronger communication channel between the National Aviation Security Centre and airport management.

Why Is It Important for Passengers?

• Security is real, but managed: Level 1 is not a panic mode — it’s a preventive security posture. It’s designed to manage potential risks when there’s higher passenger volume or during sensitive national events.

• Time Impact: Because of increased screening and checks, going through the airport may take longer than usual.

• Cooperation is Key: Security staff will be more active and vigilant; following their directions helps everyone move through more smoothly.

Practical Advice for Travelers

To make your journey smoother during Level 1 security:

• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes earlier than normal for check-in, especially if traveling during holidays or peak periods.

• Have Documents Ready: Passport, ID, ticket — keep everything easily accessible.

• Pack Smartly: Avoid carrying prohibited items and be aware of liquid limits, electronics, and other restricted items.

• Be Patient: Random checks are part of the process. Understand that these measures are for safety.

• Follow Staff Instructions: Security personnel are enforcing stricter controls during Level 1. Cooperating helps keep everything efficient and secure.

Recent Developments & Security Innovations

• The Ministry of Public Security has restructured aviation security: they now run the National Aviation Security Centre, overseeing security at all major airports in Vietnam.

• Biometric Technology: Some Vietnamese airports are implementing biometric check-in (facial recognition) tied to the national VNeID digital ID system, which may streamline procedures in the future. (You can see this in action in some of the photos above.)

• This digital shift could reduce document checks and speed up passenger flow — but during Level 1, traditional security measures still apply.

Why It’s Implemented

The goal of applying Level 1 is not to alarm travelers but to anticipate and prevent possible threats, particularly:

• High passenger volumes during national holidays

• Major international or political events

• Periods of elevated risk or when intelligence indicates possible issues

By increasing the number of security personnel, tightening screening procedures, and coordinating with law enforcement, Vietnamese airports aim to ensure safe travel without massively disrupting passenger experience.

If you have any questions or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team:

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Email: sales@vietnam-immi.org