Future of Vietnam’s Aviation: The Transition from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh Airport
The aviation landscape in Vietnam is poised for significant transformation with the plans to distribute flight operations between Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh airports being set in motion. This change comes from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), which has submitted a comprehensive plan to the Ministry of Construction. The CAAV has carefully considered two proposals presented by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the entity responsible for managing nearly all civil airports in the country.
An Overview of Proposals
Two distinct proposals have emerged regarding the operational distribution of the two airports. The first option suggests that Long Thanh Airport will exclusively handle all international flights, while Tan Son Nhat, situated just 40 km away, will be designated for domestic routes. The second option, favored by the CAAV due to the current state of infrastructure linking Long Thanh, proposes a shared arrangement for international services between both airports.
The preference for the second option highlights the need for flexibility and a phased approach in transitioning operations, acknowledging that the transport infrastructure connecting to Long Thanh is not yet fully developed.
Phased Roadmap for Transition
The CAAV’s plan outlines a two-phase roadmap for transitioning flight operations. During the period from 2025 to 2030, both airports will share international routes. However, no new international services to Ho Chi Minh City will be authorized, nor will there be expansions of existing services. Nevertheless, airlines eager to relocate operations to Long Thanh during this phase will be permitted to do so.
This dual-faceted approach will ensure that the airport’s transition aligns seamlessly with its construction progress, operational readiness, and the development of transport connectivity, facilitating a smooth move towards the new airport.
Strategic Moves for Long Thanh
From the summer of 2026, airlines will be encouraged to shift long-haul services targeting Europe, the Americas, and Oceania to Long Thanh Airport. The operational scope will gradually expand to encompass flights to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In the interim, Tan Son Nhat Airport will continue to cater to short-haul international services and most domestic flights, while Long Thanh will manage a portion of domestic operations.
At the onset of 2030, provided that the surrounding transport infrastructure around Long Thanh is fully operational, all international flights are expected to transition to the new airport. This strategically timed move will enhance the efficiency and capacity of Vietnam’s aviation industry.
Vision for Long Thanh Airport
Long Thanh Airport is envisioned to be more than just an airport; it aims to become a pivotal aviation hub. Spanning 5,000 hectares, the project is classified as a key national initiative with an estimated construction cost of nearly VND 336.63 trillion (approximately USD 13.2 billion). Once completed, it will not only replace Tan Son Nhat as the nation’s largest airport but will also integrate an airport city and a free-trade commercial zone, promising easy connections to expressways and metro lines comparable to those in major global cities like Singapore and Amsterdam.
The first phase of Long Thanh’s construction is set to be completed by the end of this year, enabling the airport to handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually. This capacity expansion will effectively position Long Thanh as a major player in the regional and international aviation market.
Preparatory Steps and Calibration Flights
Recent strides towards operational readiness include calibration flights that took place last Friday, marking an important milestone in the airport’s developmental timeline. In the coming month, experts from the Air Traffic Management Technical Company and the Czech Republic’s Air Navigation Institute will conduct an extensive series of tests. These tests will focus on critical operational components such as runway precision landing systems, navigation beacons, radar, ADS-B technology, and runway lighting—all vital for ensuring safety and efficiency in airport operations.
This meticulous approach to operational preparation underscores Vietnam’s commitment to building a world-class aviation infrastructure capable of supporting its growing demand for air travel. As the transition progresses, stakeholders and passengers alike await exciting developments in Vietnam’s aviation future.