Dong Nai, Vietnam – Vietnam is entering a transformative phase in its aviation and tourism landscape as the much-anticipated Long Thanh International Airport is on track to welcome its first flight by December 19, 2025. This large-scale infrastructure initiative, personally inspected and prioritized by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, is aimed at positioning Vietnam as a regional travel and trade hub while alleviating the burden on the over-congested Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Long Thanh Airport project is central to Vietnam’s broader socio-economic development plan, designed to increase passenger capacity, streamline air traffic, and open up Southern Vietnam to greater tourism and business opportunities. With increasing travel demand in the Southeast Asia region, this strategic development is set to change the game for Vietnam’s aviation future.
A National Priority Under Visionary Leadership
During a recent site inspection, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underlined the importance of timely completion of the airport’s first phase, urging that “no effort be spared” to make the project operational by late 2025. Emphasizing its national importance, he stated that Long Thanh is not just an airport but “a new symbol of Vietnamese progress and international ambition.”
This major undertaking is being developed in Long Thanh District, in Dong Nai Province, approximately 40 km east of Ho Chi Minh City. Its strategic location is expected to ease flight congestion from Tan Son Nhat and support future growth projections in both cargo and passenger volumes.
Overcoming Construction Hurdles with Accelerated Efforts
Despite delays due to supply chain constraints, land clearance bottlenecks, and weather conditions, the government has launched a task force to expedite construction, increasing manpower and machinery at the site. The Prime Minister stressed the need for synchronized planning among contractors, subcontractors, and local agencies, including military and police forces, to ensure smooth progress.
Efforts are underway to streamline permitting processes and improve procurement timelines. The government’s commitment to operational transparency and efficient oversight reflects its intention to maintain international quality standards while pushing for aggressive deadlines.
World-Class Airport Features and Connectivity Plans
Once operational, Phase 1 of Long Thanh International Airport will feature:
- A passenger terminal designed to handle 25 million travelers per year
- Advanced baggage systems and digital check-in counters
- A 4,000-meter runway built to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380
- A control tower with integrated air traffic management systems
- Eco-friendly landscaping, green zones, and energy-efficient terminals
- Direct rail and expressway links to Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces
The second and third phases, slated for 2030 and beyond, aim to expand passenger capacity to over 100 million annually, positioning Vietnam alongside Asia’s leading aviation hubs like Changi (Singapore) and Incheon (South Korea).
Creating an “Airport City” Economic Ecosystem
The government is also laying the groundwork for an “airport city” model, including:
- A logistics hub to facilitate cargo and freight movement
- Aviation industrial parks attracting aerospace manufacturing and services
- Duty-free retail complexes and business zones
- An FTA zone to encourage trade investment and warehousing
These additions are expected to create thousands of jobs, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and promote economic growth in Dong Nai and the southern key economic region.
Ring Road 3 Integration: Improving Airport Accessibility
In parallel with the airport project, Vietnam is expediting Ring Road 3, a 76.3 km highway linking Dong Nai to Ho Chi Minh City, easing passenger and cargo traffic. During his visit to the Tan Van–Nhon Trach section, nearly 98% completed, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for regional infrastructure alignment to support the new airport.
The dual development of airport and highway infrastructure underscores the government’s holistic transport strategy for the South.
Impact on Tourism and Regional Aviation
Vietnam welcomed 17.4 million international tourists in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year. With 70–90% of arrivals via air, the urgency to expand aviation capacity is critical. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) forecasts that by 2030, arrivals could exceed 26 million, making Long Thanh indispensable.
By 2026, Long Thanh is expected to handle over 25% of all air traffic into Vietnam, with a strong emphasis on connectivity to Northeast Asia, ASEAN, Europe, and North America.
A Gateway to Vietnam’s Future
The construction of Long Thanh International Airport represents a turning point in Vietnam’s infrastructure journey. More than just a terminal, it is a launchpad for global integration, regional development, and tourism excellence.
As the countdown to the December 2025 inauguration begins, Vietnam stands at the threshold of a new era. With strong political backing, massive investment, and global vision, Long Thanh is not just an airport—it’s a symbol of a modern, connected, and forward-looking Vietnam.
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