Vietnam Plans Tan Son Nhat Airport T1 Rebuild and T3 Tunnel Ahead of Long Thanh 2027 Transition
Vietnam is studying a massive transformation of Tan Son Nhat Airport, including a T1 terminal rebuild and a T3 connection tunnel, to pivot toward domestic operations as Long Thanh International Airport takes over international traffic by 2027.
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Vietnam is preparing a strategic pivot for its southern aviation hub, proposing a total reconstruction of Tan Son Nhat’s T1 terminal and the installation of an underground link to the T3 terminal.
These preliminary proposals, currently under review by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, aim to modernize the aging infrastructure of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. This transformation is designed to align with the upcoming commercial launch of Long Thanh International Airport, which will fundamentally redefine how passengers enter and exit southern Vietnam.
Infrastructure Overhaul and Abandoned Projects
The current study focuses on three primary areas of improvement:
- T1 Terminal: Potential demolition and complete rebuild to modernize check-in, security, and waiting areas.
- T3 Connection: A proposed underground tunnel to facilitate passenger circulation between T1 and the recently opened T3 terminal.
- T2 Terminal: General upgrades are currently being examined.
Industry observers note that a previous proposal for an underground passage connecting the TCP parking facility to T1 has been officially abandoned. The focus has shifted exclusively toward passenger circulation between terminals rather than parking access.
The Transition to Long Thanh International Airport
The operational role of Tan Son Nhat will change drastically as Long Thanh becomes the primary international gateway. Because Long Thanh is located in Dong Nai—further from the city center than Tan Son Nhat—travelers will face longer road transfers and potential congestion while rail links are developed.
A phased migration of flight operations is already in motion:
- Phase 1: All long-haul international flights will move to Long Thanh.
- 2027–2030 Window: Most other international routes will transfer, excluding Vietnamese carrier services under 1,000 kilometers.
- 2027 Target: Long Thanh is expected to handle more than 90 per cent of all international traffic.
Operational Impact on Passenger Experience
If the T1 rebuild and T3 tunnel are approved, the passenger experience will shift toward a domestic-centric model. A direct underground link would allow travelers to switch between domestic airlines without exiting to surface roads, reducing transit times and confusion.
However, the construction phase may introduce temporary disruptions. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam would need to implement temporary entrances and relocate airlines if the T1 building is demolished. Currently, no formal construction timetable has been approved, and existing terminal arrangements remain in effect.
Flight Distribution Strategy (2027-2030)
| Flight Category | Primary Airport (Post-2027) | Exception/Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Haul International | Long Thanh | None |
| Short-Haul International | Long Thanh | Routes < 1,000km by VN carriers stay at Tan Son Nhat |
| Domestic Traffic | Tan Son Nhat | Centralized at T1 and T3 |
| Overall Int'l Volume | Long Thanh | > 90% of traffic |
Why This Matters: The Strategic Aviation Reset
Our analysis indicates that this is not merely a renovation project, but a total redistribution of aviation assets. By stripping Tan Son Nhat of its international hub status, Vietnam is solving the chronic congestion of Ho Chi Minh City's urban core while creating a high-capacity international gateway at Long Thanh.
The decision to rebuild T1 rather than simply maintaining it suggests that Tan Son Nhat will become a dedicated domestic powerhouse. This "two-airport system" allows for specialized operations: one for global connectivity and one for regional agility. The success of this model depends entirely on the efficiency of the "inter-airport" link and the ability of T1 and T3 to function as a seamless domestic unit.
Forward Outlook
Travelers should expect a gradual shift in operations. Until formal notifications are issued by airlines, all bookings for Tan Son Nhat remain valid. However, the summer 2027 schedule will be the critical tipping point for international routing. Passengers are advised to verify their terminal—specifically for domestic flights divided between T1 and T3—as the transition begins.
Vietnam is effectively decoupling its domestic and international transit to survive the demands of future air traffic growth.
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