Long Thanh International Airport to Operate in Two Phases

Long Thanh International Airport is a pivotal national project, poised to become a cutting-edge aviation hub that significantly enhances Vietnam’s international transit capabilities. Strategically located in Long Thanh commune, Dong Nai province—approximately 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City’s center—this airport is set to redefine air travel in the region.

Its prime location is designed to alleviate the operational strain on the overburdened Tan Son Nhat Airport while catering to the escalating demand for passenger and cargo transportation. With this dual purpose, Long Thanh Airport is not just an infrastructure project but a catalyst for economic growth and connectivity.

Thousands of Jobs Up for Grabs

The airport’s operational success hinges on a highly skilled workforce. In its initial phase, Long Thanh Airport is projected to require over 13,700 employees across various sectors, including ground services, technical operations, aviation security, administration, commerce, and support services. This workforce will be instrumental in ensuring the airport’s seamless, modern, and efficient operations.

According to Nguyen Xuan Phong, Head of the Long Thanh Airport Operation Preparation Board, the airport’s entirely new construction underscores the critical importance of both infrastructure development and workforce preparation. These elements are essential for the airport’s future management and operations.

To attract top talent, Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV) is collaborating with various organizations to host recruitment events and campaigns. These initiatives aim to disseminate information, attract candidates, and fill the 1,400 positions available in critical areas such as operations engineering, maintenance, electronics, mechanics, and automation.

However, securing a position at Long Thanh Airport is no small feat. Candidates must meet stringent criteria, including youthfulness, dynamism, passion, and high professional competence. Proficiency in cutting-edge global technologies is also a must. Post-recruitment, ACV will provide intensive training to continuously enhance employees’ skills and professionalism.

Similarly, Saigon Ground Services (SAGS) is recruiting for multiple roles, from baggage handling and equipment repair to aircraft cleaning, offering competitive salaries ranging from 15 to 20 million VND per month. Employees will enjoy comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, regular health check-ups, meal allowances, holiday bonuses, and annual retreats. SAGS prioritizes local candidates from Dong Nai province, requiring only a high school diploma, good health, and a strong work ethic.

Vietnam Airport Ground Services (VIAGS) is also hiring over 400 individuals for roles such as passenger services, load control, flight coordination, ground equipment repair, IT, and equipment operations. VIAGS sets a higher bar, requiring candidates to have foreign language skills, strong communication abilities, confidence, and the resilience to handle high-pressure environments. Successful candidates will undergo training at Tan Son Nhat Airport before transitioning to Long Thanh.

Airlines and ground service providers are also in the market for thousands of workers across various fields. VietJet, for instance, is hiring for technical staff, passenger services, maintenance, ground equipment operations, and baggage handling.

Recently, Dong Nai province partnered with ACV to host job fairs, connecting students and workers with employment opportunities. Moving forward, the province will intensify its communication efforts to ensure residents are well-informed, enabling them to pursue training and join the airport’s workforce promptly. Provincial leaders have also urged companies to prioritize hiring residents from communities that have relinquished land for the project, ensuring long-term livelihoods for those affected.

Dong Nai has approved a workforce development plan for 2024-2026, with a vision extending to 2030. The goal is to support approximately 4,800 local workers in finding employment both within and outside the airport. The provincial Department of Education and Training is tasked with finalizing the funding proposal for workforce training from 2026 to 2030, which will be submitted to the Provincial People’s Council for approval.

A Modern Aviation Hub

Constructed 60 meters above sea level, Long Thanh Airport boasts two parallel runways—05R/23L and 05L/23R—meeting international standards. This design is a cornerstone of its vision to operate as a state-of-the-art aviation center.

The airport’s rollout is planned in two phases. Beginning in December 2025, the first phase will focus on technical flights to test and evaluate all infrastructure. By June 2026, the airport will officially launch commercial operations.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam will publish detailed operational information in the AIP Supplement, effective from June 11, 2026. This publication will provide essential guidelines for domestic and international airlines to plan their operations, ensuring safety and coordination.

Any updates to this plan will be promptly communicated through subsequent aviation news bulletins, ensuring transparency and allowing airlines to adjust their operations accordingly.

A report by the Ministry of Construction outlines the operational strategy for both Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat airports, emphasizing their dual role as international airport pairs. The government will actively manage and allocate international and domestic flight ratios for each airport based on periodic needs.

Under this strategy, Long Thanh Airport will handle 80% of international flights and 10% of domestic flights, while Tan Son Nhat Airport will manage 20% of international flights and 90% of domestic flights.

According to ACV representatives, a large-scale airport like Long Thanh will not only boost the aviation sector but also significantly contribute to the economic and social development of the region and the nation.

The airport is expected to enhance FDI attraction, stimulate regional tourism, and serve as a gateway for international tourists visiting Vietnam and Vietnamese travelers going abroad.

Spanning over 5,000 hectares, Long Thanh International Airport is designed with a synchronized ecosystem approach. The first zone, within a 5-10 km radius, is designated for supporting functions, transit warehouses, and logistics services.

The economic benefits of the airport will be maximized by the presence of five industrial parks in the former Long Thanh district, along with dozens of adjacent industrial parks in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Binh Duong.

VietJet has commenced construction on a state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance center at Long Thanh Airport, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s development. With an investment of nearly 1.7 trillion VND, the center (hangars 3 and 4) will cover over 8.4 hectares and is designed to service a minimum of two Code E and four Code C aircraft simultaneously. The facility will include an operations building, advanced equipment systems, and supporting infrastructure, with completion expected by June 2026.