The Ministry of Construction recently issued a decision outlining passenger service fees at Long Thanh Airport, effective for tickets sold from 0h on 1/10. There are two rates: domestic passengers will pay 90,909 dong per person, while international passengers will be charged 25 USD each. These fees exclude value added tax.

Long Thanh Airport construction site, 9/2025. *Photo: Phuoc Tuan*

This fee is a distinct airport passenger service charge, separate from airline transportation fares. Passengers are responsible for this payment, which airlines collect alongside ticket prices and then remit to the terminal's service provider. The introduction of these fees is a crucial preparatory step for Long Thanh's commercial operation. The 1/10 effective date applies to ticket sales, not the actual commencement of commercial flights.

Compared to Vietnam's two largest existing airports, the international passenger fee at Long Thanh matches Noi Bai at 25 USD per passenger, which is 5 USD higher than Tan Son Nhat. For domestic flights, all three airports maintain a consistent rate of 90,909 dong per passenger.

The Ministry of Construction's decision also outlines a policy for passengers whose tickets originally designated Tan Son Nhat as the departure airport but later changed to Long Thanh. In such instances, the fee will remain at the Tan Son Nhat rate. Passengers will not incur additional charges, but they also will not receive a refund for any fee difference resulting from the change in departure airport.

Long Thanh Airport terminal under construction, 9/2026. *Photo: Phuoc Tuan*

Long Thanh Airport is currently undergoing giai doan one of development, projected to handle 25 million passengers and 1,2 million tons of cargo annually, with commercial operations expected to commence from 1/12. As construction nears completion, operational transfers between Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat will be phased to minimize disruption and ensure continuous service.

Under the operational allocation plan proposed by ACV, Long Thanh will manage all international routes exceeding 1,000 km, non-scheduled international flights, and new routes that Tan Son Nhat cannot accommodate. Regarding domestic services, Vietnamese airlines will have the flexibility to operate from Long Thanh based on their operational requirements.

Giang Anh