Brian Jeffrey
At Noi Bai International Airport, a network of over 1,000 surveillance cameras operates continuously to safeguard the well-being of travelers. A skilled group of security personnel is responsible for overseeing the airport’s monitoring system, which aids in recovering lost personal items and maintaining order throughout the facility.
Nguyen Manh Cuong, a member of the airport’s Mobile Security Unit, has dedicated a decade to monitoring security cameras. He is recognized for his ability to quickly respond to incidents, resulting in numerous lost items being returned to passengers.
During each four-hour shift, team members monitor anywhere from 100 to 200 cameras, depending on their designated sections. With a relatively small team of 26 managing over 1,000 cameras, staff must possess not only technical know-how but also a remarkable memory regarding camera placement and coverage.
“It’s essential to have a clear mental map of every camera’s location to swiftly access footage,” Cuong stated. “Covering the vast area of the airport with our limited team presents a unique challenge that requires both concentration and experience.”
In addition to technical proficiency, surveillance staff must exhibit strong analytical skills to foresee potential threats and formulate appropriate responses.
The advanced surveillance system at the airport enables staff to monitor various activities, from security screenings to observing potential security breaches.
An airport representative highlighted the significance of the surveillance team, saying:
“Monitoring passenger movements and addressing unusual situations necessitates intense focus, accountability, and rapid decision-making skills.”
In just 2024, the security team assisted 383 passengers in recovering their lost items and successfully resolved 108 cases of mistaken belongings, primarily occurring at security checkpoints or restricted zones.
A notable incident took place on September 25, 2024, when a woman reported misplacing her Rolex watch, valued at 500 million VND (around $20,800), while at Terminal T1. After exiting her vehicle, she realized the watch had slipped off her wrist. Despite searching thoroughly, she was unable to find it and sought help from airport security.
Cuong and his colleague, Nguyen Hoang Anh, were on shift when they received the call. They initially found no suspicious activity on the cameras monitoring the parking lot.
“We speculated that the watch might have fallen into the gap between the traffic lane and the guardrail upstairs, possibly landing on the lower road,” Cuong shared.
Upon checking the first-floor cameras, the team spotted a small dark object on the ground that corresponded with the times mentioned by the passenger.
A security officer was sent to the site and managed to retrieve the watch just 10 minutes after the report was made.
“We experienced the same joy as the owner when we located it,” Cuong remarked. “After completing the necessary procedures, we promptly returned the watch to her.”
In 2023, the team also negotiated the return of 43 million VND that a passenger had mistakenly pocketed during a currency exchange at Terminal T2. They tracked the individual responsible through surveillance footage and collaborated with border police and the airline to recover the money before the passenger’s flight to Russia.
During peak travel periods, especially at year-end when passenger numbers soar, Cuong and his team intensify their efforts to ensure security and assist with lost property.
He offers this advice to travelers:
“Stay vigilant with your belongings and consider taking photographs of your valuables for quicker identification. Being aware of your travel paths and timings can greatly facilitate locating any lost items.”
