Long Thanh International Airport - A new milestone in Viet Nam’s journey to take aviation further

For Airports Corporation of Viet Nam JSC (ACV), Long Thanh is not only a large-scale aviation infrastructure project, but also an important milestone in enhancing investment, management and airport operation capacity, while expanding Viet Nam’s connectivity with the region and the world.

A project of national stature

In the development of Viet Nam’s aviation sector, Long Thanh International Airport is a project of special significance. Planned on an area of nearly 5,000ha in Dong Nai Province, the project is being implemented in three phases, aiming for a capacity of 100 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo per year upon completion. Phase 1, which ACV is concentrating resources on implementing, has a capacity of 25 million passengers and around 1.2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a passenger terminal covering about 376,000m².

With its scale and long-term development orientation, Long Thanh is expected to become an important international aviation hub in the southern region, helping expand the flight network and strengthen Viet Nam’s connectivity with economic, trade and tourism centres around the world. At the same time, the project is also an important milestone demonstrating ACV’s capacity to invest in, manage and develop large-scale aviation infrastructure that meets the increasingly high requirements of the modern aviation industry.

Accelerating completion, ready for operations

To make Long Thanh ready to receive its first commercial flights, ACV is focusing resources on completing project components in a synchronous manner, from technical infrastructure and equipment to conditions for operations. As the investor of Component Project 3, comprising essential facilities within the airport under Phase 1, ACV is also working closely with management agencies, consultants, contractors and partners to gradually complete a synchronous and modern airport system.

On December 19, 2025, the first passenger flight landed at Long Thanh International Airport, marking an important milestone in the formation of the new airport. From that point, the project entered the final sprint, with ACV focusing on completing the remaining components, synchronising systems and preparing the necessary conditions to achieve the goal of putting Long Thanh into commercial operation from December 2026.

At this important stage, the requirement is not only to ensure progress, but also to guarantee quality, safety and the synchronous operational capacity of the entire system. This is also the responsibility that ACV is concentrating on fulfilling, so that Long Thanh will not only be completed on schedule but also be ready to operate effectively from the first days of service.

Modern operations with a Vietnamese imprint

Long Thanh is oriented towards development as a new-generation airport, in which architecture, technology and passenger experience are studied in a synchronous manner from the investment process. The lotus image is reflected in the design of the terminal roof, creating a distinctive mark for a project designed to connect Viet Nam with the world. Beyond its aesthetic value, the terminal design has also been studied to harmonise functionality, passenger experience and operational conditions.

The orientation towards sustainable development is also integrated throughout the design and investment process, from making use of natural light and optimising energy use to developing green spaces inside and outside the terminal. Through this, Long Thanh aims to become a modern airport model that is efficient in operation and aligned with sustainable aviation development trends.

Together with architecture, technology is one of the important foundations for ACV’s preparations for the operating model at Long Thanh. Solutions for digitalising the passenger journey, biometrics, baggage handling systems and a smart airport operation centre are being deployed to optimise operating processes, improve operational efficiency and provide passengers with a more seamless journey.

Expanding connectivity, ready for new routes

To ensure Long Thanh can quickly prove effective once it enters operation, ACV has proactively prepared market and route network conditions in parallel with infrastructure completion. The corporation has recently strengthened engagement with domestic and international airlines and partners across the aviation ecosystem. Many international airline delegations have visited the site, studied infrastructure conditions and discussed operating plans at Long Thanh, reflecting growing interest in the new connectivity opportunities offered by this aviation hub.

Vietnamese airlines are also developing operating plans for the new airport. Vietnam Airlines plans to operate routes from Long Thanh to Ha Noi, Hong Kong (China), Beijing, Guangzhou and Manila; Vietjet plans to connect Long Thanh with Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Vinh and Thanh Hoa. Vietravel Airlines also plans to begin commercial operations at Long Thanh from late 2026.

Early preparations for the connectivity network demonstrate ACV’s proactive approach, not only completing a large-scale aviation project but also preparing the market and operational conditions so that the project can quickly generate value after being put into operation.

Under the plan proposed by ACV, operations between Long Thanh International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport will be organised in phases, gradually transferring suitable international routes to Long Thanh while maintaining operations at Tan Son Nhat. Through this, the two airports will be operated in a complementary manner, optimising infrastructure capacity and meeting the long-term growth needs of the aviation market in the southern region.

Long Thanh - A new milestone in ACV’s development journey

The gradual formation of Long Thanh International Airport is the result of the persistent efforts of thousands of engineers, experts and workers, along with consultants, supervisors, contractors and ACV personnel, with close coordination from management agencies and local authorities.

Drawing on its experience in managing and operating a network of 22 airports nationwide, ACV is gradually transforming the experience accumulated over many years into the capacity to invest in and develop a project of new stature. Each completed component and each system put into trial operation not only brings Long Thanh International Airport closer to its opening day, but also helps form the operational foundation for a future international aviation hub.

Expectedly in late 2026, when the first commercial flights take off from Long Thanh, this will be a special milestone not only for ACV but also for Viet Nam’s aviation sector. From Dong Nai, a new aviation gateway will expand Viet Nam’s connections with the region and the world, creating more space for trade, tourism and new development opportunities.

For ACV, Long Thanh International Airport is a story of today that was prepared many years ago. It is also a journey in which ACV has gradually enhanced its capacity, expanded connectivity and laid the foundation for a new face of Viet Nam’s aviation sector, where new air routes open, new journeys begin and the country’s aspiration to reach further continues to be extended.