ACV accelerates preparations for Long Thanh International Airport’s commercial operations in late 2026

Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is accelerating construction completion and operational preparations at Long Thanh International Airport (IATA - LTH; ICAO - VVLT), with commercial operations targeted for December 2026. Alongside infrastructure readiness, ACV is coordinating with relevant authorities and airlines to finalize flight plans and develop transport connections between Long Thanh and Ho Chi Minh City, including Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Construction progress and operational readiness
As of October 9, 2026, the essential infrastructure under Component 3 of the Long Thanh International Airport project had reached approximately 86% completion by contract value. Construction teams are mobilizing resources to complete the remaining works, particularly the passenger terminal, internal airport roads, technical infrastructure, Cargo Terminal No. 1 and the car park.
 
The essential infrastructure under Component 3 of the Long Thanh International Airport project had reached approximately 86% completion
In parallel, ACV and relevant agencies are advancing operational preparations, including acceptance and inspection procedures, aviation security arrangements, personnel and equipment licensing, and the completion of regulatory requirements for airport operations. Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) activities are also being conducted to test infrastructure, equipment, operating procedures and workforce readiness ahead of the planned launch.

Under the current schedule, key infrastructure acceptance is expected in November 2026, followed by the completion of major regulatory and operational requirements in early December.

Proposed initial flight schedule
During the initial phase, ACV plans to accommodate up to approximately 366 flights per week, comprising 322 domestic and 44 international flights. Airlines are expected to progressively introduce services at the new airport. Vietnam Airlines is planning to operate the Long Thanh–Hanoi route and selected international services, while Vietjet Air is expected to introduce domestic routes connecting Long Thanh with major economic and tourism centers across Vietnam.

Flight allocation and operational schedules are being coordinated among aviation authorities, airport operators and airlines, considering slot coordination, operational conditions and the transition between Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh airports. These plans remain subject to the completion of relevant procedures and operational readiness requirements.

Transport connections between Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh
Ensuring convenient and reliable ground transport between Ho Chi Minh City and Long Thanh is a key priority for the airport’s initial operations, particularly for passengers connecting between the two airports.

In the initial phase, road transport will serve as the primary connection before rail links become operational. Access routes under consideration include the Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway, Nhon Trach Bridge, Ring Road 3 and National Highway 25C, as well as the Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway connecting with the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway and the interchange leading to the airport.

 
Road transport will serve as the primary connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Long Thanh in the initial phase
ACV is working with relevant authorities, local governments and transport operators to develop direct inter-airport transfer services, alongside airport buses, shuttle services, taxis, ride-hailing vehicles and other public transport options. The objective is to establish reliable connections with appropriate service frequencies, coordinated schedules and convenient passenger pick-up and drop-off points. Dedicated transfer services between the two airports are particularly important for passengers with connecting flights.

In the longer term, ACV supports the development of an integrated, multimodal transport network, including the proposed Thu Thiem–Long Thanh railway, to improve accessibility and reduce pressure on road infrastructure.

As Long Thanh International Airport approaches its planned commercial launch, ACV is coordinating construction completion, operational readiness, airline planning and transport connectivity to support safe, efficient and seamless airport operations from the outset.