Vietnam is set to open Long Thanh International Airport on December 1, 2026, as part of the country's ongoing efforts to improve aviation infrastructure and diversify its connectivity. The new airport is being built approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of Ho Chi Minh City, to relieve pressure on the city's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and to create a bigger gateway to international passenger and cargo flights.
The first phase of Long Thanh is equipped for 25 million people and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo per year. Once all three of the planned phases are completed, the capacity will be 100 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo annually. The project is a reflection of Vietnam's greater efforts to develop transport infrastructure to facilitate its growing international travel and trade.
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Other factors that will remain critical for airlines considering flights to Long Thanh are airport fees, passenger service fees, flight-slot availability and access to the new airport. The conversion is therefore proceeding in stages instead of being carried out completely in one go by transferring international flights.
Key Highlights
- Long Thanh Airport prepares for commercial operations and airline shifts
- Airlines seek lower charges before moving flights to Long Thanh
- Vietnam positions Long Thanh as its main international aviation hub
From December 2026 to March 2027, the airlines will be encouraged to voluntarily relocate their international passenger and freight transportation activities to Long Thanh. Long-haul flights are expected to gradually transfer to the new airport, with the majority from overseas expected to land at the new airport from March 2028.
Vietnam Airlines has announced flights from Long Thanh to Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Manila etc., and Vietjet is in the process of domestic and international operations. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has been in contact with 34 international airlines, such as Korean Air, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines, to build up the airport's international network.
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Operating economics will be a key consideration in the transition for airlines. For 2026 and 2027, ACV has submitted requests to carriers for 20 to 50 percent discounts on aviation service fees as a measure to stimulate carriers to operate at Long Thanh. Airlines are also calling for clarity in the areas of landing and take-off fees, passenger service charges and flight-slot allocation.
Authorities are exploring options that will enable airlines to keep existing slots at Tan Son Nhat when the terminal is taken over by Long Thanh. These could offer increased flexibility for carriers during the transition to new networks and schedules.
Passenger access is another critical factor. Long Thanh’s location farther from central Ho Chi Minh City means efficient road and public transport connections will be important to its ability to attract passengers and support airline demand. Infrastructure projects connecting the airport with Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring provinces are therefore being advanced alongside the airport development.
Acting ACV Director General Nguyen Duc Hung said “the organisation is proposing a separate roadmap to support airlines and passengers during the transition. ACV has also proposed an international passenger service charge of US$25 per passenger for the first two years”.
Vietnam is trying to consolidate its aviation industry role in the region and international trade and logistics. It has a huge capacity for passengers and cargo, which may generate new opportunities for the aviation industry, companies and the travel sector in general. But competitive pricing, airline schedules, good connectivity and a seamless transition from Tan Son Nhat will ultimately be key to its commercial success.
The first phase is coming to an end and it is now transitioning from an infrastructure project to a strategic aviation asset for Vietnam. The next two years will be decisive to the airport's ability to build its reputation as the nation's premier international aviation hub, as the airlines and passengers react.