### Long Thanh International Airport: A Leap Toward Vietnam’s Aviation Future
Long Thanh International Airport, located in Dong Nai Province, is set to become a pivotal player in Vietnam’s aviation landscape. With its first flights anticipated by the end of 2025 and full commercial operations scheduled to commence in June 2026, the airport is designed to accommodate the burgeoning demand for air travel in the region.
As the largest aviation hub in Vietnam, Long Thanh is projected to handle approximately 80% of the international passenger traffic for southern Vietnam, alleviating congestion at the current primary airport—Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). This ambitious infrastructure project aims to signify Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing its transportation capabilities and fostering economic growth.
### The Journey to Long Thanh: A Current Challenge
While the airport’s establishment promises significant benefits, a major obstacle looms: the travel time from HCMC to Long Thanh. Situated roughly 50 kilometers from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the current commute spans two to three hours, primarily due to heavy congestion on the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway. National Highways 1 and 51, which also service the route, contribute to the bottleneck, frustrating passengers and detracting from the airport’s attractiveness.
During a working session on February 9, Party General Secretary To Lam underscored the urgency of addressing transportation infrastructure in tandem with the airport’s development. He emphasized that if travel times remain lengthy and unpredictable, potential travelers may opt for alternatives instead of using Long Thanh Airport.
### Infrastructure Plans: A Glimpse of Hope
In response to these challenges, several critical road projects are underway to facilitate smoother access to the airport. The ongoing expansion of the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway, coupled with the construction of major routes such as the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway and Ring Road 3, aims to ease the pressure on the city’s eastern corridor. Set for completion in 2026 and early 2027, these initiatives promise to create additional access points and reduce travel times significantly.
The 58-kilometer Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway is nearing the finish line, particularly with its Phuoc Khanh Bridge, expected to open in September. This bridge will establish a high-speed corridor connecting southern HCMC and the Mekong Delta directly to the airport.
### Strengthening Cross-Provincial Connectivity
Furthermore, HCMC and Dong Nai have embarked on constructing three major river-crossing bridges: Phu My 2, Long Hung, and Cat Lai. These structures are intended to fortify cross-provincial links and are projected to be completed by 2030. Although these developments are aimed at alleviating congestion, experts warn that solely expanding road networks may not sufficiently guarantee the sought-after 30-minute commute to Long Thanh.
Ngo Anh Vu, director of the HCMC Urban Planning Institute, highlights the comprehensive planning of Long Thanh with a focus on both road and rail connections. However, he notes that funding and regulatory hurdles have hindered timely implementation.
### The Role of Mass Transit
Looking ahead, highways are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility in the short term, while mass transit systems are deemed essential for the long-term vision. The proposed Thu Thiem – Long Thanh metro line, which has been designated a priority project, is under study and spans approximately 48 kilometers, with an estimated investment of nearly US$3.5 billion. If constructed in conjunction with the Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem metro line, it would provide a direct rail link from downtown HCMC to the new airport.
Future plans may also encompass extending the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line into Dong Nai and developing rail connections between Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat airports, creating a more integrated aviation network.
### Exploring Alternative Transportation Options
Beyond highways and railways, authorities are exploring additional transportation solutions. One proposal suggests establishing a boat link from Bach Dang Wharf in central Ho Chi Minh City to SwanBay Marina in Nhon Trach, followed by a road transfer to the airport. Upgrades to river ports in Nha Be are also being considered to enhance access from southern districts.
Pham Viet Thuan, head of the HCMC Institute of Economics, Environment, and Resources, has warned that ongoing congestion could translate into a “hidden cost” for passengers, thus diminishing the competitive edge of Long Thanh Airport if not addressed efficiently.
### Accelerating Development: A Call to Action
To expedite progress on these projects, experts have called for streamlined investment procedures, swifter land clearance efforts, and clearer coordination between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai. The synchronization of development initiatives is essential for unlocking the full potential of Long Thanh International Airport, ensuring that it successfully serves as a vital hub for regional and international travel.