On 30/6, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) announced it had received operational plans from three domestic airlines and is collaborating with numerous international carriers to prepare for Long Thanh Airport's operation.

According to ACV, Vietravel Airlines expects to commence commercial operations at Long Thanh in late 2026, subsequently increasing flight frequency from the summer 2027 schedule. Vietjet Air has committed to maintaining at least two international routes at the airport during its initial phase. Vietnam Airlines has proposed transferring some international routes from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh, accounting for approximately 12% of the airline's international flights.

Long Thanh Airport passenger terminal. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

ACV also held discussions with Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam Airport Ground Services Company Limited (VIAGS) regarding the arrangement of check-in counters, kiosks, self-service baggage drop-off areas, departure gates, baggage carousels, and other ground service facilities.

For foreign airlines, the Long Thanh Airport Project Management Board has engaged with the Association of Airlines Operating at Tan Son Nhat, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and representatives from 34 carriers, including Korean Air, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, to discuss operational plans.

Additionally, ACV has signed a consulting contract with the Incheon Airport consortium to develop the airport's operational plan. Work on operational procedures, commercial policies, business plans, and financial strategies has been completed.

Beyond transferring some existing routes from Tan Son Nhat, ACV anticipates that market promotion and the launch of new direct flights will attract an additional two million passengers annually to Long Thanh by 2030. Potential markets include North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia.

Long Thanh Airport spans approximately 5,000 hectares, with a total investment of nearly 16 billion USD. Phase one is expected to begin operations in late 2026, aiming to alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat and stimulate the development of aviation logistics, trade, services, finance, hospitality, and conferences in the surrounding area.

Phuoc Tuan