HCMC – The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed a two-phase roadmap to gradually move international flights from HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Long Thanh International Airport in neighboring Dong Nai Province, with full transition expected after 2030.
The plan, submitted to the Ministry of Construction, outlines criteria tied to infrastructure readiness, airport urban development, logistics center, and free trade zone. The allocation of flights between the two airports would follow a phased approach, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
From 2025 to 2030, new and additional international flights to HCMC would not be licensed at Tan Son Nhat but instead be directed to Long Thanh. Adjustments would follow global aviation scheduling practices to align with airlines’ operations, ticketing, and passenger communication.
Starting summer 2026, airlines would be encouraged to gradually shift long-haul services to Europe, the Americas, and Oceania from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh. Subsequent phases would see Long Thanh expand to routes connecting Africa, the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia.
During this period, Tan Son Nhat would focus on domestic flights and international routes under 1,000 kilometers, while Long Thanh would increasingly handle international traffic.
After 2030, all scheduled international flights are set to operate from Long Thanh, which is expected to serve as a regional transit hub. Tan Son Nhat would then operate domestic flights and irregular or chartered international services.
CAAV stressed that the division of operations depends on the pace of Long Thanh’s infrastructure development and transport connectivity with HCMC and nearby provinces. It described the move as a complex decision requiring thorough analysis and consultation with regulators, airlines, and stakeholders.
The agency recommended a flexible two-phase approach, with the Government actively coordinating and conducting regular reviews, while accelerating road and rail projects leading to Long Thanh.
On slot allocation, CAAV proposed maintaining airlines’ historical slots during the transition and introducing support measures to ensure a smooth shift of operations.
