A recent incident at Noi Bai International Airport has reignited public frustration over overpriced non-aviation services at Vietnam’s major airports. A passenger reported paying 208,000 VND (approximately $7.80 USD) for a char siu pork banh mi sandwich at Bigbowl – a popular food outlet at the terminal. Despite the steep price, the customer described the sandwich as average in taste and lacking in substance.

This is far from an isolated complaint. At major airports such as Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, food and beverage prices are often three to ten times higher than market rates, a long-standing issue that had temporarily cooled down after public backlash over a decade ago. However, similar pricing irregularities are once again drawing criticism.

The banh mi in question was sold at Bigbowl’s branch on the third floor of Noi Bai’s Terminal 2. According to airport authorities, the sandwich used imported pork from Brazil and weighed about 200 grams. While prices were reportedly displayed in full compliance with regulations, many travelers and industry observers argue that international meat import prices do not justify the steep retail markup. Recent data from the General Department of Customs showed the average import price for chilled or frozen pork during the first five months of 2025 was just under $2.70/kg – significantly cheaper than local fresh pork.

Many passengers with international travel experience also highlight stark differences in pricing strategies. In countries like Singapore, Indonesia, or South Korea, airport food typically costs only 20-30% more than market prices, compared to 300-700% at Vietnamese airports.

Industry experts attribute the elevated prices to various overheads: airport location, labor, logistics, and strict food safety requirements. However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) argues that this cannot justify “unacceptable pricing.”

On July 16, CAAV reported to the Ministry of Construction and instructed Northern Airport Authority to investigate the case. Additionally, CAAV called on Noi Bai Airport and the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to intensify supervision of all commercial operations at terminals. This includes a daily review of food service quality, price transparency, and hygiene standards.

CAAV emphasized that while higher prices at airports are inevitable, they must remain within reasonable limits and align with market acceptance. It warned against any abuse of monopoly privileges to unreasonably inflate prices, urging strict regulation to protect passenger rights and Vietnam’s national image.

Vietnam imported nearly 367,000 tons of meat and related products in the first five months of 2025, valued at $735.3 million – up nearly 10% in volume and 15% in value year-on-year. Pork alone accounted for over 56,000 tons, imported at an average price of $2,661/ton. Given this, experts assert there’s no economic basis for inflated pricing of products like the banh mi at Noi Bai.

Airport terminals, often viewed by international visitors as the “face” of a country, must reflect fairness, professionalism, and hospitality. Authorities have vowed to intensify oversight and ensure businesses uphold Vietnam’s image at its international gateways.

N. Huyen