The Vietnam Aviation Authority has unveiled the operational plan for Long Thanh International Airport, a pivotal national aviation infrastructure project, marking a historic milestone in Vietnam’s aviation development strategy for the new era.
Close-up footage of the first calibration flight at Long Thanh International Airport on September 26, 2023. Source: ACV
Two-Phase Operation Plan with Commercial Launch in June 2026
Strategically located in Long Thanh commune, Dong Nai province, approximately 40 km east of Ho Chi Minh City, Long Thanh Airport is poised to become a leading aviation hub in the region. It aims to enhance international transit capacity and alleviate congestion at the overburdened Tan Son Nhat Airport.
On September 26, 2023, Long Thanh International Airport achieved a significant milestone with its first calibration flight, paving the way for Vietnam’s largest airport to commence operations. Photo: ACV
Designated with the ICAO code VVLT and IATA code LTH, the airport is situated at an elevation of 60 meters above sea level. It features two parallel runways (05R/23L and 05L/23R) compliant with international standards, positioning Long Thanh as a key transit hub for passengers and cargo in Southeast Asia.
The operational plan is divided into two phases:
The Vietnam Aviation Authority will publish detailed operational information in the AIP Supplement under the AIRAC cycle, effective from June 11, 2026. This document will be essential for domestic and international airlines to plan routes and ensure safe, synchronized operations.
Confirming the commercial launch date for Long Thanh Airport is a significant step toward establishing Vietnam as a prominent aviation hub in Asia. The Authority pledges to provide timely updates to airlines and partners for seamless operational planning.
Market Share Allocation Between Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat
Under the plan submitted by the Ministry of Construction to the Prime Minister, Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat Airports will operate as a “dual international airport system”, managed by a state regulatory body.
Specifically:
This allocation optimizes operational capacity, meets growing transport demands, and positions Long Thanh as a critical regional aviation hub.
With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, expansive scale, and synchronized operational strategy, Long Thanh International Airport is set to usher in a new era for Vietnamese aviation. It will not only connect Vietnam to the world but also drive socio-economic development for decades to come.
Earlier on September 26, the Long Thanh Airport project marked a pivotal moment with the inaugural calibration flight, initiating the testing and evaluation phase of all technical systems ahead of official operations.
According to Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), preparations for the flight were meticulously coordinated to ensure absolute safety. The calibration campaign, conducted by ATTECH (a subsidiary of Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation), ran from September 26 to October 24, 2023.
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Accelerating Technical Flight Preparation at Long Thanh Airport
According to the Vietnam Aviation Authority, preparations for the first technical flight at Long Thanh International Airport are being expedited by the Ministry of Construction, the Vietnam Aviation Authority, and relevant units, ensuring timely completion as per the planned schedule of December 19th.
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The Ministry of Construction has recently submitted a report to the Government outlining the operational plans for Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh International Airports during Phase 1. According to the proposal, starting from 2026, Long Thanh Airport will handle up to 80% of international flights, positioning itself as Vietnam’s primary aviation hub for international transit.
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