Vietnam is preparing for a major change in its aviation system as almost all international flights from Ho Chi Minh City are planned to move to Long Thanh International Airport by 2028. The new airport will gradually replace Tan Son Nhat International Airport as the main international gateway of the city.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has approved a three-stage transition plan prepared by Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV). The plan aims to move international flight operations to Long Thanh while keeping the transition process organized for airlines, passengers, and airport services.
Long Thanh Airport is located about 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City and is expected to begin commercial operations on December 1. The airport is designed as one of Vietnam’s largest infrastructure projects and will play an important role in the country’s future air transportation network.
International Flights Will Move to Long Thanh in Three Stages
The transfer of international flights will not happen at the same time. Vietnamese authorities have created a three-stage plan to help airlines, passengers, and airport services adjust to the new system.
The process will gradually move international operations from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Long Thanh Airport before the final transition is completed in 2028.
December 2026
Airlines can start moving international passenger and cargo flights to Long Thanh based on their own operational plans.
March 2027
All long-haul international flights to regions such as Europe, America, Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia will operate from Long Thanh.
October 2027
Most remaining international flights will move to Long Thanh. Only some short routes operated by Vietnamese airlines will remain at Tan Son Nhat.
After the transition is completed, Tan Son Nhat International Airport will mainly focus on domestic flights and shorter routes. Vietnamese airlines will continue operating domestic services from both airports.
Airlines Prepare for the New Airport Operations
Several Vietnamese airlines have already agreed with the transition plan. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Vietravel Airlines are preparing their future operations at Long Thanh Airport.
Vietnam Airlines has registered new international services from Long Thanh to destinations including Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Manila. Vietjet has also registered domestic routes connecting Long Thanh with cities such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.
The move will require airlines to adjust flight schedules, ground services, and passenger operations. A gradual transfer process will help reduce possible disruptions during the change.
Vietnam Airlines
Preparing international services from Long Thanh to destinations such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Manila.
Vietjet
Planning domestic routes connecting Long Thanh with Hanoi, Hai Phong, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.
Operational Changes
Airlines will update schedules, ground services, and passenger procedures during the transition.
Long Thanh Airport Testing and Preparation Work Continues
Before opening for regular passengers, Long Thanh Airport will complete several testing stages to ensure that all systems work correctly.
Trial operations are planned for September, October, and November. These tests will be carried out with support from the operator of South Korea’s Incheon International Airport through an airport readiness program known as ORAT.
Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation has also reported that major communication, navigation, and surveillance systems are completed and currently undergoing calibration. The airport control tower and flight operation systems are also being prepared for official operations.
Airport System Tests
Baggage systems, immigration areas, fuel systems, and ground services will be tested before opening.
Flight Operation Systems
Communication, navigation, surveillance systems, and the control tower are being prepared.
Long Thanh Airport Capacity and Investment
Long Thanh Airport is the largest and most expensive airport project in Vietnam’s history. The project has a total investment budget of VND336.63 trillion, approximately US$12.79 billion.
The airport will expand through several development stages. The first phase will provide large passenger and cargo capacity, while future expansion will allow Long Thanh to become one of the largest airports in the region.
Long Thanh Airport Key Capacity Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | VND336.63 trillion (approximately US$12.79 billion) |
| First Phase Passenger Capacity | 25 million passengers per year |
| First Phase Cargo Capacity | 1.2 million tons of cargo per year |
| Full Development Capacity | Up to 100 million passengers per year |
Transport Connections to the New Airport
To support the opening of Long Thanh Airport, local authorities are working on improving transportation links between the airport and surrounding areas. The Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai City authorities have been asked to speed up road connections and public transport planning to make airport access easier for passengers. One of the important future projects is the Thu Thiem–Long Thanh railway line, which will connect central Ho Chi Minh City with the airport. The railway project is expected to begin service in 2030 and will provide another transportation option for passengers travelling between the city center and Long Thanh.
Road Connections
Authorities are improving road links to provide easier access to Long Thanh Airport.
Public Transport
New transport plans aim to connect passengers with the airport more efficiently.
Thu Thiem–Long Thanh Railway
The 47.7-km railway line is expected to start service in 2030 and connect the city center with the airport.
