Long Thanh International Airport: What Travelers Need to Know About Vietnam’s New Gateway

Vietnam is reshaping its aviation landscape with the development of Long Thanh International Airport, a next-generation aviation hub set to redefine international travel to southern Vietnam. As one of the country’s most important infrastructure projects, Long Thanh Airport is expected to play a critical role in tourism growth, logistics, and long-haul connectivity in the coming decade.

Where Is Long Thanh International Airport Located?

Long Thanh International Airport is located in Dong Nai Province, approximately 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City. The airport covers an area of nearly 5,000 hectares, making it one of the largest aviation infrastructure developments in Southeast Asia.

Its strategic position places it close to Vietnam’s Southern Key Economic Region, with direct links planned to Ho Chi Minh City, industrial zones, ports, and major highways.

Why Vietnam Needs Long Thanh International Airport

For years, Tan Son Nhat International Airport has operated far beyond its designed capacity. Limited land availability within the city has restricted expansion, leading to congestion, delays, and operational constraints, especially during peak travel seasons.

Long Thanh International Airport has been designed to:

• Reduce long-term congestion at Tan Son Nhat
• Support the growth of international and long-haul flights
• Strengthen Vietnam’s position as a regional aviation and logistics hub

During the initial years, both airports will operate simultaneously, allowing for a gradual and controlled transition.

Phase One Capacity and Timeline

In its first development phase, Long Thanh International Airport is planned to handle:

• Around 25 million passengers per year
• Approximately 1.2 million tons of cargo annually

The airport will feature a modern passenger terminal, long runways suitable for wide-body aircraft, and advanced operational systems aligned with international aviation standards.

Technical and milestone flights were conducted in late 2025, marking an important step toward operational readiness. Based on official planning, commercial operations are expected to begin in 2026, subject to final approvals and airline scheduling decisions.

What Travelers Should Know When Flying to Southern Vietnam

As Long Thanh Airport enters service, travelers should be aware of several key points:

• Flights may arrive at either airport: Depending on the airline and route, flights to the Ho Chi Minh City region may land at Tan Son Nhat or Long Thanh Airport.
• Always check your arrival airport: Airport codes, transfer times, and ground transportation options will differ significantly.
• Plan transfers carefully: Long Thanh is farther from the city center, which may affect arrival-day schedules, hotel check-ins, and onward travel.

Clear communication with airlines, tour operators, or travel consultants will help ensure a smooth experience.

A New Gateway to Vietnam’s Future

Long Thanh International Airport is more than a new point of arrival, it represents Vietnam’s long-term vision for sustainable tourism growth, global connectivity, and modern infrastructure.

For travelers, it promises improved facilities and future connectivity.
For tour operators and DMCs, it signals the need for proactive planning and flexible product design.

As Vietnam continues to grow as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic destinations, Long Thanh International Airport is set to become a key gateway shaping how the world arrives in southern Vietnam.

How Threeland Travel Supports Travellers During the Long Thanh Airport Transition

As a Vietnam-based destination management company and tour operator, Threeland Travel works closely with international partners to manage the on-the-ground impact of Long Thanh International Airport.

With extensive operational coverage across Vietnam, Threeland Travel continuously monitors airport developments, airline route transitions, and local transportation planning related to both Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat airports. This enables our team to proactively advise partners on arrival logistics, transfer timing, hotel selection, and itinerary structure.

Threeland Travel coordinates directly with airlines, transport suppliers, hotels, and local stakeholders to ensure smooth arrivals and departures. Clear airport communication, flexible transfer solutions, and operational readiness are integrated into FIT, GIT, and MICE programs, allowing partners to maintain service quality and traveler confidence throughout this infrastructure transition.