1. Overview of Hai Phong Airport
1.1. Geographical location and strategic role of Hai Phong Airport
Cat Bi International Airport has undergone a remarkable development process, becoming one of the key air gateways of the Northern region. Entering 2025, this location not only clearly demonstrates its strategic role but also marks many positive changes in infrastructure.
Hai Phong Airport is only about 8 km from the city center. This location offers convenient travel advantages due to its proximity to important transportation routes, facilitating smooth connections to the center, seaport, industrial zones, as well as neighboring localities such as Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, and Hung Yen.
As the air gateway of the Northern coastal region, Hai Phong Airport plays a role in transit, goods exchange, receiving tourists, and directly connecting with economic centers, prominent tourist destinations in the North as well as internationally. This location contributes to strongly promoting the development of the logistics ecosystem, becoming a multimodal transportation hub for the entire region.
Cat Bi International Airport with modern equipment. (Source: Bao Tin Tuc)
1.2. History of formation and development of Hai Phong Airport
Cat Bi was initially a military airport during the resistance period, then converted to serve civil purposes from the 1980s, gradually expanding for both passenger and cargo transport. 2016 marked a turning point when Hai Phong Airport officially operated as an international airport, inaugurating a new terminal, increasing capacity to millions of passengers per year.
By 2025, Hai Phong Airport will commence construction of Terminal T2 with a total investment of nearly 2,700 billion VND, an area of 23,200 m², expected to accommodate about 5 million passengers per year and capable of expanding to serve up to 10 million passengers when needed. This key infrastructure project applies advanced technology, contributing to enhancing operational capacity and maintaining its role as an international aviation hub in the region. The goal towards 2030 is to reach a total capacity of up to 13 million passengers per year.
2. Infrastructure and amenities at Hai Phong Airport
2.1. Modern passenger terminal and 24/7 support services
2025 is the period when Hai Phong Airport undergoes a comprehensive transformation with a modern infrastructure system and international standard amenities. Every space is carefully designed to enhance the travel experience of passengers.
Hai Phong Airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, with Terminal T2 standing out with its modern design, inspired by local festival culture. The terminal separates arrival and departure areas to facilitate a convenient check-in process, integrating 4 jet bridges for passengers, a system of self-service check-in counters, and smart baggage conveyor belts.
Passengers can use international standard lounges, VIP rooms equipped with massage chairs, comfortable resting areas, and a priority check-in zone. The duty-free shop area serves international customers with a variety of high-end products. The dining area offers many choices, from restaurants to coffee shops and convenience stores to meet all needs. 24/7 operational support services include banks, information counters, a support hotline, medical services, free WiFi throughout the terminal, and standard luggage storage services.
24/7 customer support service counter. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Accommodating various medium and large aircraft types
Hai Phong Airport has completed the apron expansion, meeting the requirements to receive large aircraft types such as Boeing 787, Airbus A350, along with many medium-sized aircraft. The runway and apron ensure sufficient international standards, operating safely in any weather conditions.
The terminal is equipped with a multi-layered security system, modern baggage handling with two baggage carousels, 28 check-in counters, including 5 self-service baggage drop counters, 14 check-in kiosks, 3 arrival baggage belts, and a continuous surveillance camera system, ensuring maximum security.
Spacious apron welcomes many large aircraft types. (Source: News Newspaper)
2.3. Food, Shopping, Banking Services, Support Counters, and Hotline
Hai Phong Airport is not only a modern transit point but also offers visitors a diverse range of amenities, fully meeting needs before and after flights. The dining area offers a rich variety of choices, from coffee and pastries to fast food and Hai Phong specialties like crab noodle soup, pate baguette… allowing visitors to easily enjoy local flavors.
Additionally, the shopping area in the airport features souvenir shops, specialty stores, cosmetics, personal items, and duty-free counters, convenient for passengers to choose gifts or necessary items. Banking services and ATMs are located in the main hall, supporting quick cash withdrawals and foreign currency exchange. Furthermore, the information and customer support counter is always ready to provide flight guidance, check-in assistance, baggage information, or local tourism service advice.
For urgent assistance, passengers can contact the Cat Bi Airport hotline via the duty officer's phone number (displayed at the information counter) for 24/7 support, ensuring the safest and most convenient journey.
3. Flight Routes and Schedules at Hai Phong Airport
3.1. Domestic Routes Connecting Major Economic Centers
From Hai Phong Airport, passengers can choose typical domestic routes such as Hai Phong - Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot, Phu Quoc with the participation of Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines. During peak seasons such as festivals, summer, or Tet Nguyen Dan, the number of flights increases, so passengers should book tickets 2-4 weeks in advance to secure good prices.
Experience when flying from Hai Phong Airport includes carefully checking each airline's baggage regulations and arriving at the terminal 90-120 minutes before the flight during peak times for convenient procedures.
3.2. Notable International Flight Routes
For international routes, Hai Phong Airport operates typical routes such as Hai Phong - Bangkok (Thailand), Hai Phong - Seoul (South Korea) along with seasonal routes to Northeast Asia such as China, Taiwan, Japan depending on the period.
Services for international guests at Hai Phong Airport are fully invested with immigration counters right at the airport, bilingual guides, currency exchange services, and quick transit guidance. The immigration process has been digitized, significantly reducing time and enhancing security standards.
Cat Bi Airport is equipped with modern service counters. (Source: Collected)
4. Transportation Experience at Hai Phong Airport
The distance from Hai Phong Airport to the city center is only 20 km. Traditional taxis are a convenient option with prices ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per trip depending on the company. Ride-hailing services like Grab and Be also have similar prices, easily booked via the app.
Additionally, public bus routes connecting the city with Hai Phong Airport have fares starting from only 8,000 VND per trip, suitable for budget-conscious travelers. For groups or those with a lot of luggage, private pick-up and drop-off services provided through agents or hotels will offer convenience.
Thanks to major road systems like Le Hong Phong, Nguyen Binh Khiem, transportation here is very flexible. During peak hours, travelers should book their transport early and plan their time reasonably to ensure their flight schedule.
5. Notes on Using Services at Hai Phong Airport
5.1. Experience with Airport Procedures
It is recommended that passengers arrive at Hai Phong Airport 90 minutes before domestic flights and 120-150 minutes before international flights to proactively complete security checks and baggage check-in. The automated kiosk system helps save time on procedures.
The security check process is always strictly enforced, so passengers need to cooperate with staff, prepare their documents in advance, and be mindful of restrictions on sharp objects and liquids exceeding regulations when boarding the plane. If luggage is lost, passengers can immediately contact the continuously operating support counter in the arrival area.
Hai Phong Airport also offers special assistance services for people with disabilities, the elderly, and unaccompanied minors, which can be registered in advance with the airline or at the airport counter.
5.2. Privileges of Using VIP Facilities
The VIP lounge at Hai Phong Airport offers a quiet space, providing light snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, massage chairs, entertainment TVs, and a private workspace. Customers using business class tickets or membership cards like Vietnam Airlines Lotusmile will receive complimentary meals, shopping vouchers, and priority access at security checkpoints. Thus, the experience at Hai Phong Airport becomes more convenient and complete.
VIP lounge at Cat Bi airport with luxurious design. (Source: Collected)
5.3. Necessary notes when flying during peak season
During peak season, guests should arrange to arrive at Hai Phong airport 30 to 60 minutes earlier than usual. Proactively booking tickets early, prioritizing morning or noon flights will help avoid pressure at the end of the day.
Families with young children and international guests need to carefully check personal documents, always pay attention to children in crowded areas, and make full use of special support services, prioritizing check-in at Hai Phong airport .
Hai Phong has many famous tourist destinations, suitable for both short trips and long stays. Visitors can stroll along Tam Bac walking street, explore the poetic Do Son beach, check-in at Hai Phong Opera House, or visit the city museum to learn about local history. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, don't miss the Sun World Cat Ba cable car, the modern sea-crossing cable car that takes you to Cat Ba island and the beautiful Lan Ha Bay, where there is clear blue water and a rare majestic landscape.
The staff at Sun World Cat Ba enthusiastically assist tourists.
Hai Phong Airport is a great starting point for every journey to explore the vibrant port city. With a modern space, friendly service, and a location just a few minutes from the center, it offers visitors a comfortable and convenient feeling right from the moment they arrive. If you are preparing for your 2025 trip, let Hai Phong Airport be the departure point for memorable experiences and an exciting journey ahead.
