Airports Corporation of Vietnam Proposes Tan Son Nhat Terminal Reconstruction to Realign Operations with Long Thanh Opening

Standfirst: The Airports Corporation of Vietnam is evaluating proposals to demolish and rebuild Tan Son Nhat Airport's Terminal 1 and construct a T1-T3 underground connecting tunnel to coordinate with the opening of Long Thanh International Airport.

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The Core Transit Update

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is studying preliminary proposals to modernize Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the proposed master plan, the existing, aging Terminal 1 (T1) would be completely demolished and rebuilt. Additionally, planning studies are evaluating a new underground connection linking T1 with the recently constructed Terminal 3 (T3). Upgrades to the international Terminal 2 (T2) are also under review.

These upgrades are timed to align with the phased opening of the new Long Thanh International Airport (LTA) in Dong Nai Province. Long Thanh is designed to become the primary international gateway for southern Vietnam, which will allow Tan Son Nhat to transition into a domestic aviation hub. A previously proposed underground walkway connecting the TCP parking structure with T1 has been officially abandoned, with design teams shifting focus to inter-terminal passenger transit corridors.

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Transit Schedule & Route Specifications

The transition of commercial air traffic between Ho Chi Minh City's two primary airports is scheduled to progress in distinct phases:

Ho Chi Minh City Airport Transition Timeline

Operational Phase	Target Airline & Flight Types	Target Airport (IATA)	Implementation Period	Traffic Allocation Goal
Phase 1 Launch	Long-Haul International Routes	Long Thanh (LTA)	Starting Summer 2027	Transfer of intercontinental routes
Phase 2 Expansion	General International flights	Long Thanh (LTA)	2027 – 2030	Over 90% of international flights
Exempted Routes	Short-Haul Flights under 1,000 km	Tan Son Nhat (SGN)	Post-2027	Short-haul routes of domestic carriers
Domestic Focus	All Domestic Airline Networks	Tan Son Nhat (SGN)	Ongoing Integration	Hub for internal flights

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Traveler Logistics Guide (Information Gain)

Travelers transiting through Ho Chi Minh City during the multi-year airport transition should follow these logistics procedures:

• Verify Terminal Allocations: Tan Son Nhat splits domestic passenger handling. Domestic flyers must confirm whether their airline operates from T1 (typically Vietnam Airlines and budget carriers) or the newer T3. Terminal 2 continues to handle international flights until the phased transfer to Long Thanh begins.
• Plan Inter-Airport Transfer Times: Long Thanh is located approximately 40 kilometers east of central Ho Chi Minh City. If your connection requires changing from an international flight arriving at LTA to a domestic flight departing SGN, allow at least 3.5 hours to clear customs, secure ground transport, and complete check-in.
• Vietnam Transit Visa Rules: Passengers transferring between domestic flights at SGN and international flights at LTA must clear border controls. Travelers must secure a valid Vietnam e-visa via the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) portals if their nationality requires entry documentation.

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Infrastructure Impact Assessment

Reallocating long-haul international routes to Long Thanh International Airport will help relieve ground congestion at Tan Son Nhat. Operating the two facilities as a single system allows ACV to optimize flight slots. The reconstruction of T1 and the building of the T3 underground connection will provide SGN with the check-in capacity and security lines needed to handle domestic tourism. This coordinate plan will support long-term economic growth in southern Vietnam's tourism sectors.

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FAQ

When will Long Thanh International Airport open?

Long-haul international flights are scheduled to begin transferring to Long Thanh starting with the summer 2027 timetable, with most international operations moving by 2030.

How far apart are SGN and LTA airports?

The airports are located approximately 40 kilometers apart. The road transfer between Tan Son Nhat (SGN) and Long Thanh (LTA) takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

Will Tan Son Nhat close after Long Thanh opens?

No. Tan Son Nhat will remain open but will shift its focus to domestic flights and short-haul regional international services.

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