Tan Son Nhat International Airport forecasts operating 760 daily flights, both arrivals and departures, between 1/1 and 4/1. This represents an approximately 6% increase from current schedules and a 12% rise compared to the peak of last year's New Year holiday. On average, the airport expects to handle about 131,000 passengers daily during this period, a 17% increase year-on-year.

Specifically, 1/1 and 4/1 are projected to be the busiest days, with the airport operating 786 flights and serving approximately 135,000 passengers each day. Most of this demand is for domestic routes.

Passengers checking in at Tan Son Nhat's T3 terminal. Photo: Giang Anh

Despite the anticipated increase in passenger numbers, airport authorities stated that distributing operations between the two domestic terminals, T1 and T3, will significantly alleviate congestion compared to previous years. All flights for Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Vasco, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Sun PhuQuoc Airways have now moved to T3 terminal, which has an annual capacity of 20 million passengers. With only VietJet Air operating from T1 terminal, the pressure has substantially decreased over recent years.

Additionally, the airport reported that various units have collaborated on developing passenger service plans and ensuring security and order. These plans include updating flight information to regulate and allocate personnel appropriately during peak hours.

Check-in counters, baggage carousels, and departure gates will also operate flexibly based on the real-time situation at each terminal. Tan Son Nhat has also implemented identity verification and biometric recognition applications for check-in procedures, aiming to shorten processing times and enhance convenience for passengers.

Nevertheless, the airport advises passengers to prepare all necessary identification documents to prevent potential technical issues. Passengers should also verify their terminal to avoid errors and proactively arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to mitigate the risk of delays.

Previously, T3 terminal began operations in late April this year, significantly reducing the burden on Tan Son Nhat. During the summer peak and the National Day holiday on 2/9, passenger traffic increased, yet the airport remained smooth and uncongested, unlike previous years.

Giang Anh