Despite sparking a controversy, Da Nang International Airport in central Vietnam still sticks to its plan to offer a priority-lane service fee of VND100,000 (US$3.93) per passenger in its security screening area, a source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam, which oversees 22 airports nationwide, has confirmed that a new fee will be piloted exclusively at this airport for evaluation purposes.

According to a notice sent to airlines, the airport recently upgraded its priority lane in the security screening area, justifying the introduction of the $3.93 fee per passenger, excluding value-added tax.

The airport noted that it has been offering this service to priority passengers free of charge for many years.

It believes this service is a way to create a source of funds for reinvesting, improving service quality, and giving fair treatment to other passengers.

Phan Kieu Hung, director of the airport, stated that this service will be applied to commercial important persons and business-class passengers.

Specifically, the airport will collect the priority-lane fee from passengers flying with the business and premium economy classes of Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines.

For Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines, the fee will apply to passengers in skyboss, business, and premium economy.

However, passengers with membership cards issued by carriers will be exempted from the fee when they use the priority lane.

Hung emphasized the priority lane is a non-aviation service and does not affect the security control process or the quality of transportation services.

The announcement quickly sparked a public backlash, with many arguing that the fee is unnecessary.

Priority lanes have traditionally been designated for specific groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, the disabled, business-class passengers, individuals on official missions, and flight crews.

Airlines also voiced concerns, pointing out that business-class passengers already pay ticket prices that are often double those of economy class.

They stated that carriers already cover all associated costs for this passenger category, and the new fee would further strain their finances.

Passengers have expressed mixed opinions about the new fee. Some see it as a worthwhile expense to enhance their travel experiences, while others worry it reflects excessive commercialization at airports.

Critics have argued that services like security screening should be included in the price of a plane ticket, rather than incurring additional charges.

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