Authorities at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport have advised passengers to arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure during the Tet (Lunar New Year) period, according to Vietnam News.

The move is to avoid traffic congestion and delays at check-in desks, the paper reported.

Due to the considerable increase in flights and passengers during Tet, which is from January 27 to February 1, the airport also suggested limiting the number of people coming to the airport to pick up or see off passengers.

Drivers are not permitted to stop their vehicles for more than three minutes in front of the airport’s terminals. If they want to stay longer they must park their vehicle in the airport’s parking lot.

Passengers are also advised to conduct self check-in online or at check-in kiosks located near D1 and D2 gate in the domestic terminal.

Although Tet falls in late January, Vietnamese people often start flying back to their hometowns days or even weeks earlier.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has approved an increase in the number of domestic flights by 1,270 across the country during the period to meet the steep rise in travelers. Tan Son Nhat, Vietnam’s largest, is expected to cater to 807 flights each day during the peak period, or 81 more than in the same period last year. 

VN Economic Times