Foreign tourists check in for their first flight in Da Nang

Korean passengers can self-check-in and auto-board for the first time today when leaving Da Nang International Terminal.

At 1 p.m. on August 1, South Korean tourist Minsik arrived at Da Nang International Terminal to check in to return home after a trip to the central region. He was guided by airline staff to the self-check-in kiosk area, instead of having to wait in long lines like before.

The self check-in kiosk is simple to operate, the process is clearly displayed on the touch screen, with bilingual content. It only took Mr. Minsik two minutes to complete the self check-in procedure. In the first days, the area where the 5 devices are located will have the Passenger Assistant Team to support 24/7.

This is the first self-check-in service at Da Nang International Terminal, with priority given to passengers with simple travel documents. Initially, the equipment mainly served Korean passengers returning home on flights operated by Korean Air (2 flights per day, 260 passengers per flight).

Korean passengers check in at the self-check-in kiosk, which was launched at Da Nang International Terminal on August 1. Photo: Nguyen Dong — Korean passengers check in at the self-check-in kiosk, which was launched at Da Nang International Terminal on August 1. Photo: *Nguyen Dong*

A Korean Air representative said that self-check-in kiosks are quite popular in developed countries, including Korea. Passengers from the land of kimchi really like this service because it saves a lot of time compared to having to wait at traditional check-in counters.

"We have operated at other international airports such as Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Cam Ranh ( Khanh Hoa ), but Da Nang International Terminal has developed rapidly in terms of infrastructure and is very smart. That is also the reason why many Korean passengers choose Da Nang as their destination," he said.

Because it was the first day of applying self-check-in kiosk devices, not many Korean customers knew about this service. The self-check-in luggage device has been invested by the terminal, and is in the process of waiting to connect with data and software with airlines, so customers temporarily push their luggage to the check-in counter.

"In the immediate future, the terminal will apply self-check-in and auto-boarding services at departure gates. By October, the terminal will operate a self-check-in baggage system when data and applications are synchronized with airlines," said Mr. Do Trong Hau, Deputy General Director of Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company (AHT).

International arrivals to Da Nang are increasing rapidly after the Covid-19 pandemic. In the first seven months of the year, the city welcomed more than 1.144 million international visitors, 7.7 times higher than the same period in 2022. In July alone, international visitors are estimated to reach more than 204 thousand, up 8.7% compared to June and up 212% compared to July 2022.

Crowded with international passengers at Da Nang International Terminal, afternoon of August 1. Photo: Nguyen Dong — International passengers at Da Nang International Terminal, afternoon of August 1. Photo: *Nguyen Dong*

Mr. Hau said that in July, the terminal welcomed about 16,000 arrivals and departures each day. The city is building many new routes to India, Australia, ... and restoring the destination of Da Nang with the Korean and Chinese tourist markets. The number of international visitors is gradually recovering, so AHT has proactively digitized the airport process to reduce congestion at the terminal during rush hour.

"When the three systems of self-check-in, self-baggage check-in and auto-boarding operate synchronously, passengers will only take 2-5 minutes to complete all procedures, instead of about 15 minutes compared to the previous system," said Mr. Hau, adding that he will evaluate the effectiveness of this system to work with airlines operating at Da Nang International Terminal to use the self-check-in kiosk device.

"When passengers save time on procedures, they will have more time to experience the amenities and services at Da Nang International Terminal," Mr. Hau added.

Nguyen Dong

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