VietNamNet Bridge – Free water tanks will be set up in both domestic and international terminals at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi before a public tap system is installed.

Vu The Phiet, director of the international airports of Noi Bai, said the free water tanks would be installed at the airport at the instruction of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV).

"It takes time to find suitable locations to install water tanks, where they can be protected well from poorly educated passengers,” Phiet said, adding that Noi Bai airport had just finished the test for a free Wi-Fi system in the airport.

According to Phiet, the free water tanks will be placed in the waiting lounge before passengers get on board, where they are not allowed to take water inside.

Noi Bai airport authorities are also negotiating with catering businesses at the airport to slash commodity prices. At present the prices of goods offered at the airport are not too high compared to market prices and still under the ceiling prices registered with the management agency.

Noi Bai Airport has publicized a hotline for passengers to report their difficulties and complaints. Phiet said most of the complaints they received were questions about flights and security.

During inspection trips to Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports last week, CAAV vice chief Vo Huy Cuong asked the airports to improve the quality of airport services and provide free drinking water to passengers in the boarding lobby.

"Passengers complained that they had to pay $2 for a bottle of water at the airport, the same price as 5-star hotels. At the hotel, passengers can choose to buy water inside or outside, but at the airport they have to buy at the counters," Cuong said.

Xuan Minh