Most international flights to leave Tan Son Nhat

Photo courtesy of VnExpress

Vietnam has approved a three-stage transfer of almost all international flights from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat airport to Long Thanh, with the change scheduled to be largely complete by 25 March 2028.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam endorsed the timetable proposed by Airports Corporation of Vietnam. Long Thanh, about 40 kilometres east of Ho Chi Minh City, is scheduled to open for commercial traffic on 1 December 2026.

Transfer will take place in three stages

From 1 December until 27 March 2027, airlines will be encouraged to move international passenger and cargo services voluntarily. During the summer schedule from 28 March to 29 October 2027, all long-haul services covering Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia will move to Long Thanh.

The remaining international flights are due to transfer between 30 October 2027 and 25 March 2028. The exception will be scheduled routes of less than 1,000 kilometres operated by Vietnamese airlines, which may remain at Tan Son Nhat.

Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and Vietravel Airlines have agreed to the timetable. Domestic services may be operated from either airport throughout the transition.

Major airport systems enter testing

Long Thanh will undergo three rounds of operational trials during September, October and November. The tests will cover baggage handling, immigration, fuel systems and ground services under working conditions.

The first phase is designed to handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually. Full development is intended to raise capacity to 100 million passengers. Tan Son Nhat handled 42.1 million passengers in 2025.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

International travellers should expect their airport arrangements to change progressively rather than overnight. Passengers will need to check the operating airport carefully when booking flights, arranging connections or organising hotel transfers.

Long Thanh is farther from central Ho Chi Minh City than Tan Son Nhat. Authorities have urged Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai to accelerate road links and public transport, while the proposed rail connection to the city centre is not expected to enter service until 2030. Travellers should therefore allow additional transfer time and confirm transport arrangements before departure.

31 July 2026