According to the airport’s operations plan, January 4 saw a total of 809 flights operating through Tan Son Nhat. An estimated 140,000 passengers moved through the airport on that day - 5,000 more than the projected figure of 135,000.

The highest pressure was on the inbound side, with approximately 73,000 people returning to Ho Chi Minh City as they prepared to resume work. Outbound traffic also remained high, with more than 66,000 departures.

Significantly, international passenger numbers were strong, reaching nearly 62,000, while domestic travelers totaled around 78,000. This marks a clear signal of early recovery and growth in Vietnam’s tourism sector at the beginning of the year.

Despite the higher-than-expected volume, the airport’s operations remained stable, with no prolonged congestion or bottlenecks.

A representative from Tan Son Nhat International Airport noted that six airlines - Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Vasco, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Sun PhuQuoc Airways - have moved their operations to the newly opened Terminal T3. This transition has significantly “cooled down” Terminal T1, which now exclusively serves Vietjet Air's domestic flights, resulting in a more spacious and manageable passenger experience.

In addition, the growing adoption of online check-in systems via websites and mobile apps, along with self-service kiosks, has contributed to reducing wait times at security checkpoints.

To ensure smoother journeys, airport authorities advise travelers to proactively complete check-in procedures online. Passengers are also encouraged to minimize the number of accompanying family or friends to avoid overcrowding in the terminal areas.

Moreover, travelers are reminded to closely monitor the airport’s electronic boards for gate changes and updates to avoid missing their flights.

Tuan Kiet