To support the handover, the Ministry of Public Security has restructured its internal operations by upgrading its Air Security Division, under the Immigration Department, into the National Aviation Security Centre
In a significant step towards strengthening aviation security while ensuring smoother passenger experiences, the Ministry of Public Security has formally assumed control over aviation security operations from 1 March. The transition marks a strategic move aimed at streamlining management and tightening control measures across airports nationwide.
As part of the transition, the ministry has taken over two key responsibilities from the Ministry of Transport: overseeing the aviation security sector and providing aviation security services at airports and cargo handling facilities. Officials have stated that while the shift focuses on bolstering security, passenger convenience will remain a top priority.
To support the handover, the Ministry of Public Security has restructured its internal operations by upgrading its Air Security Division, under the Immigration Department, into the National Aviation Security Centre. This new centre is tasked with supervising aviation security protocols and service delivery across airports and related facilities.
At the provincial level, immigration offices under the public security departments in 17 centrally-governed provinces and cities have been entrusted with implementing and monitoring aviation security measures. In the early days of the transition, task forces from the Immigration Department have been actively conducting inspections to ensure smooth operations at airports nationwide.
Major General Pham Dang Khoa, Director of the Immigration Department, highlighted the seamless coordination between public security forces and immigration authorities at airports.
“Public security forces have demonstrated high morale and close coordination with immigration authorities. This collaboration has ensured uninterrupted flight operations while maintaining absolute safety and security,” he said.
Passengers have also responded positively to the transition. Hoang Ngoc Thụ, an international tour guide at Noi Bai International Airport, shared his experience:
“The professionalism of the public security forces gives me confidence. The transition is smooth and it upholds safety standards while making travel procedures more convenient.”
Ta Tuan Anh, Deputy Head of the International Screening Security Team at Noi Bai International Airport, noted that the new security personnel have been working alongside the existing teams, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities.
He hinted at future improvements to streamline security checks, particularly by removing unnecessary overlaps.
“For instance, reducing passport checks to a single instance will significantly cut down processing times for travellers,” he added.
The ministry has also emphasised that aviation security is a collaborative effort and pledged to continue working closely with domestic and international partners to ensure safe and efficient airport operations.
As the new system settles, authorities are confident the revised procedures will strike the right balance between robust security and passenger ease, contributing to the country’s broader goal of enhancing aviation services.
