As the aviation landscape of Southeast Asia evolves rapidly, Long Thanh International Airport is preparing to become a game-changer. Set for partial operations in mid-2026, this mega-infrastructure project will help alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat, support booming tourism, and establish Vietnam as a major hub in the region. Below is a detailed look at the project status, infrastructure, and what it will mean for B2B travel agents, consolidators, corporate travel planners, and airline operators.

Project Overview: Scale, Phases, & Capacity

The airport is being built on a 5,000-hectare site in Dong Nai Province, about 40 km east of Ho Chi Minh City.
Total investment is approximately VND 336.63 trillion (~USD 13–14 billion) for full development through all phases.
Phase 1, expected to begin operation in mid-2026, will feature one runway, one passenger terminal, and supporting facilities. Capacity: 25 million passengers/year plus ~1.2 million tons of cargo annually.
Phase 2, slated for completion by 2035, will expand capacity to 50 million passengers/year and ~1.5 million tons of cargo with a second runway and terminal.
Full build-out (Phase 3) is projected by about 2050, targeting 100 million passengers/year, and 5 million tons of cargo.

Strategic Rationale & Aviation Impacts

Infrastructure & Connectivity: Key Enablers & Risks

Long Thanh’s success depends heavily not just on the airport itself but on how well travellers, staff, cargo, and workers can reach it.

Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway (major route). Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway (47 km, 4 lanes). * Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway, Dau Giay–Phan Thiet Expressway, etc.

Congestion already on key expressways (e.g. HCMC-Dau Giay). Some road expansions / widening (e.g. from 4 to 8 lanes) and inter-routes (Route 1, Route 2, Route 3) still under planning or construction.

Rail / Light Rail / High-Speed Links

Thu Thiem – Long Thanh Light Rail: proposed ~41-42 km, 20 stations. Planned to be operational by 2030. Proposed high-speed rail link as part of North-South high-speed railway to include a station at Long Thanh.

None of the rail/metro lines connecting the airport are yet under full construction or guaranteed timeline. Feasibility studies and investor decisions are still pending. Passenger preference and ease of access will heavily depend on how quickly these rail links materialize.

Passenger Distribution & Operational Scenarios

Government / ACV considering several models (all international flights move; or long-haul international go to Long Thanh, short haul/internationals stay at Tan Son Nhat). Early contracts and construction (runway, apron, lighting etc.) are being fast-tracked; some packages ahead of schedule.

Disruption risk during transition: airlines, agents need clarity on which flights will shift when, possible travel-time penalties until infrastructure (esp rail/metro) catches up. Connectivity delays might degrade competitiveness if travellers prefer more accessible airports.

What This Means for B2B Stakeholders (Travel Agents, Airlines, Corporates)

Updated Timeline & Key Milestones

Risks & Challenges to Watch

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Long Thanh International Airport represents a transformative milestone in Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure. For B2B travel and aviation stakeholders, the upcoming years hold both opportunity and responsibility.

As of mid-2025:

Long Term: Full completion by circa 2050 to reach 100 million pax capacity offers huge upside—but only if the infrastructure ecosystem (rail, expressways, customs, logistics, hotels, services) evolves in step.

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