The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed a strategic plan to shift all international flight operations to Long Thanh International Airport after 2030. The proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Construction for review, outlining a phased transition from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

According to CAAV, concentrating all international air traffic at Long Thanh from the outset would impose extra travel time and expenses for passengers, as the new airport is located approximately 40 km from central Ho Chi Minh City. In contrast, Tan Son Nhat is just 6-7 km from the city center.

Based on these factors, CAAV has recommended a two-phase transition to balance Long Thanh’s role as an international gateway while continuing to utilize Tan Son Nhat to meet passenger demand.

Phase 1 (2025-2030): Both airports will continue to operate international flights. However, Long Thanh will gradually assume a leading role.

Under this plan, all new international routes, increased-frequency flights to Ho Chi Minh City, and new airline entries will not be granted slots at Tan Son Nhat. Instead, they will be redirected to Long Thanh.

The transition will begin in the summer of 2026. Airlines will be encouraged to move long-haul flights to Europe, the Americas, and Oceania to Long Thanh. Subsequently, flights to the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia will also be relocated.

From 2028 to 2030, the majority of international flights will operate from Long Thanh. However, short-haul international flights under 1,000 km, operated by Vietnamese carriers, will continue at Tan Son Nhat.

For domestic passengers, Tan Son Nhat will maintain its primary role, while Long Thanh will handle a portion of domestic demand as needed.

Phase 2 (Post-2030): Once regional transport infrastructure such as highways and railways is fully developed, CAAV proposes that all regular international flights operate exclusively from Long Thanh International Airport. This move aims to establish a regional-level international air transport hub in the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area.

Tan Son Nhat would then focus solely on domestic flights, irregular international flights, and charter services for individuals and organizations.

N. Huyen