December 19: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways Simultaneously Launch Inaugural Flights to Long Thanh Airport

According to directives from the Ministry of Construction and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), the operation plan for Long Thanh International Airport in December 2025 is divided into two phases, with detailed scenarios and organizational responsibilities assigned to each unit.

Phase 1, scheduled for December 15, 2025, involves technical test flights. Vietnam Airlines has been designated to use a Boeing 787 (Code E) aircraft. The flight route includes takeoff from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, landing at Long Thanh International Airport, and returning to Tan Son Nhat. Participants include representatives from aviation authorities, flight crews, and technical teams.

To ensure safety, the Ministry of Construction requires the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to complete runway cleaning, grass planting, and foreign object debris (FOD) control. ACV must also deploy firefighting vehicles, ground equipment, and certified personnel. Additionally, ACV will coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee to ensure security, fire safety, and rescue operations throughout the flight.

Phase 2 marks the first official flight, scheduled for December 19, 2025. The CAAV has developed specific traffic management plans for three airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways.

For Phase 2, Vietnam Airlines will operate a Boeing 787 (Code E) on the Noi Bai – Long Thanh – Noi Bai route from 6:15 AM to 8:00 AM. This flight will serve Party and State leaders and delegates, with no commercial ticket sales.

Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways will each operate an A320/321 (Code C) aircraft on the Tan Son Nhat – Long Thanh – Tan Son Nhat route from 8:00 AM to 8:40 AM. These flights will carry flight crews and technical staff.

Regarding technical infrastructure, ACV confirms the completion of Runway 1, taxiways, apron, lighting systems, and signage. Load-bearing tests for the airfield have been conducted, meeting Code E aircraft standards. The T1-T2 connection road and main internal port road are scheduled for completion by December 15.

The Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) is urged to complete the acceptance of facilities and flight equipment (control tower, PSR/SSR radar, DVOR/DME, ADS-B). VATM must submit dossiers to the CAAV for equipment and personnel licensing. Aviation authorities are responsible for completing these licenses by December 15, 2025.