LONG THANH, DONG NAI, VIETNAM – July 30, 2025 — Vietnam is taking a bold leap into the future of aviation with its flagship infrastructure project: the $13 billion Long Thanh International Airport, located just 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City. This ambitious new development is envisioned to become one of the world’s largest and most advanced airports, with a projected capacity of 100 million passengers annually by 2050.
According to global aviation analytics firm OAG, Long Thanh is poised to enter the elite “100 Million Club” of global mega-airports, joining the ranks of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Dubai International, Tokyo Haneda, London Heathrow, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
From Overcrowding to Opportunity: Why Vietnam Needs a New Mega Hub
The construction of Long Thanh comes as Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Vietnam’s current primary international gateway, struggles with extreme congestion. Designed for only 25 million passengers, Tan Son Nhat processed over 41 million travelers in 2023, far exceeding its intended capacity. This has placed stress on airport operations, limited expansion opportunities, and negatively impacted the traveler experience.
Long Thanh, being developed on a 5,000-hectare site in Dong Nai Province, is designed to solve that bottleneck and reshape Vietnam’s aviation trajectory. The project is more than a response to demand—it is a strategic vision to turn Vietnam into a global aviation and logistics hub, particularly at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Europe.
A Multi-Phase Masterplan to Transform Regional Travel
The Long Thanh Airport project is structured into three strategic phases, each ramping up the airport’s capabilities and positioning Vietnam closer to its global aviation aspirations.
Phase 1 (2021–2026): Laying the Foundation
Currently under active construction, Phase 1 includes:
- One runway (4,000 meters long)
- One modern passenger terminal
- Cargo and technical facilities
Upon completion, the airport will be able to handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually. This phase is expected to begin operations by 2026, immediately relieving pressure on Tan Son Nhat.
Phase 2 (2026–2035): Doubling Capacity
As demand grows, Phase 2 will expand the airport to 50 million passengers and 1.5 million tonnes of cargo per year. This phase will see the addition of a second runway and terminal.
Phase 3 (2035–2050): Global Mega Hub Realization
By mid-century, Long Thanh aims to be fully operational with:
- Four runways
- Multiple terminals
- A total capacity of 100 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo annually
This final phase will elevate Long Thanh to top-tier global status, alongside the busiest airports in the world.
Economic Powerhouse and Connectivity Catalyst
Long Thanh’s potential extends beyond aviation. Located near Vietnam’s southern economic engine, it will be a major driver of regional growth. The airport’s proximity to deep-sea ports, industrial zones, and future expressways and high-speed rail lines will make it an attractive base for global trade, manufacturing, and logistics operations.
The Ministry of Transport of Vietnam sees the project as a “national breakthrough in infrastructure investment,” aligning with Vietnam’s 2050 Vision for Sustainable Development. The project is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs, attract foreign investment, and facilitate interprovincial and international mobility.
Sustainability and Smart Airport Innovation
Long Thanh is not just big—it’s designed to be sustainable and smart. The airport will feature:
- Eco-friendly construction materials
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Renewable energy integration
- Digitized terminal operations and AI-based flight management systems
These features aim to reduce the airport’s environmental impact and set new benchmarks for green aviation infrastructure in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam’s Global Aviation Ascent
According to Vietnam Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), the country has experienced double-digit growth in air passengers for over a decade, driven by tourism, economic liberalization, and a rising middle class.
As regional competitors like Singapore Changi, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport invest in modernization, Vietnam’s decision to build Long Thanh from scratch gives it the rare advantage of designing an airport free of legacy constraints—tailored for 21st-century aviation.
In its final form, Long Thanh could become:
- A regional base for major international carriers
- A hub for Vietnamese low-cost and full-service airlines
- A critical transit point for intercontinental routes connecting Asia, Europe, and North America
Looking Ahead: The World Watches Vietnam’s Aviation Future Unfold
As the world’s aviation hubs become increasingly saturated, Vietnam is carving its space with vision and precision. With construction progressing steadily and strategic phases aligned with long-term national goals, Long Thanh Airport is on track to redefine how the world travels through Southeast Asia.
In the words of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, “Long Thanh is not just an airport. It is the gateway to Vietnam’s future, and a testament to our ambition to connect with the world.”
When it opens its gates in 2026 and gradually scales up to meet 100 million travelers by 2050, Long Thanh will stand as a bold symbol of Vietnam’s emergence as a global aviation power—from a fast-growing nation to a key player in the skies.
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