Under the new traffic arrangement, introduced on August 3, conventional taxis continue to pick up passengers directly outside the terminal. Ride-hailing vehicles - including Grab, Xanh SM and other commercial cars with fewer than nine seats - must now collect passengers from designated parking areas.

Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 are required to walk to Parking Lot P2, while those at Terminal 2 must use Parking Lot P1. During peak periods, pickups may be redirected to Parking Lot P7.

According to Noi Bai International Airport, the changes are intended to ease congestion outside the terminals, improve safety and security, and better organize traffic flows.

Airport officials said that limited curbside space and access roads make it necessary to separate different types of passenger transport, even if travelers have to walk farther to reach their vehicles.

The new arrangement, however, has sparked mixed reactions.

On Google Reviews and social media platforms, many passengers complained that they now have to pull their luggage several hundred meters after landing before reaching their ride-hailing pickup point.

One user, identified as Phong May, wrote: "After a long flight, I had to push my luggage quite a long distance to reach the pickup area. It's tiring in hot weather, and it would be even more inconvenient if it rains because many sections are not covered."

Another traveler said adopting traffic management models used at international airports is a positive direction, but argued that such systems should be adapted to Vietnam's existing infrastructure.

According to the passenger, many overseas airports connect ride-hailing pickup zones directly to terminal buildings through indoor walkways and provide real-time vehicle location displays, allowing travelers to find their cars without unnecessary waiting.

Many online comments argued that the airport's ultimate goal should be passenger convenience rather than simply keeping the terminal frontage free of congestion.

Several travelers pointed out that elderly passengers, young children, pregnant women and people carrying heavy luggage could face additional challenges reaching the designated pickup areas, particularly during heavy rain.

Some ride-hailing drivers also reported that pickup times have become longer because passengers now need more time to reach the parking lots.

In some cases, drivers said passengers canceled bookings after deciding they did not want to make the longer walk or instead chose conventional taxis waiting directly outside the terminal.

Others, however, supported the new arrangement, saying that walking a few hundred meters is a reasonable trade-off if it results in smoother traffic, less congestion and a better-organized pickup system outside the airport.

Many passengers suggested that, to make the new system more effective, the airport should install clearer directional signs, provide covered walkways and introduce additional assistance for elderly travelers, people with disabilities, pregnant women and families traveling with young children.

A representative of Noi Bai International Airport said the airport will continue monitoring the situation and adjust the traffic management plan if necessary, with the goal of maintaining traffic order and safety while improving the overall passenger experience.

Vu Diep