Ho Chi Minh City to Shift Most International Flights to Long Thanh by Spring 2028

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has endorsed a phased plan to transition international flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City to the new Long Thanh International Airport (DLI), located about 40 km east of the city. The move is slated to be largely completed by spring 2028, aiming to alleviate congestion at Vietnam's busiest airport. The transition will occur in three phases. From December 1, 2026, to March 27, 2027, airlines are encouraged to voluntarily move their international services, including cargo, to Long Thanh. During the 2027 summer schedule (March 28 to October 29), all long-haul international flights connecting to Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia will operate exclusively from Long Thanh. The final phase, from October 30, 2027, to March 25, 2028, will see all remaining international flights follow suit. However, Vietnamese carriers operating routes shorter than 1,000 km will be permitted to continue using Tan Son Nhat for domestic services. Following the full transition, Tan Son Nhat will primarily function as a domestic and short-haul airport. Major Vietnamese airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Vietravel Airlines, have reportedly agreed to the proposed timetable. Vietnam Airlines has already registered services to Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Manila from Long Thanh, while Vietjet has registered domestic routes to Hanoi, Hai Phong, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa. Long Thanh International Airport represents the largest and most expensive airport project in Vietnam's history, with an estimated budget of VND336.63 trillion (approximately $12.79 billion) across all phases. The initial phase is designed to handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually, with the fully completed airport projected to accommodate up to 100 million passengers per year. Trial operations at Long Thanh are underway, with test runs covering baggage systems, immigration, fuel lines, and ground handling. The Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation has reported that its communication, navigation, surveillance, and control tower systems are nearing completion. Authorities are also urging accelerated development of connecting roads and public transport to the new airport, with a rail line to central Ho Chi Minh City expected by 2030. Tan Son Nhat Airport handled 42.1 million passengers in 2025, exceeding its designed capacity following the opening of its T3 terminal in April 2025.