Arriving at Vietnam's New Long Thanh Airport for the First Time? How to Prepare for an Unfamiliar Airport Experience

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Long Thanh International Airport is located in Dong Nai Province, approximately 40 km from central Ho Chi Minh City.
• Commercial operations are expected to begin on December 24, 2026.
• Flights will gradually move between Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat Airport rather than changing all at once.
• Some international flights from Europe and Australia will continue arriving at Tan Son Nhat during the initial period.
• Always check your flight ticket and arrange transportation for the correct airport.

1. Long Thanh International Airport: Location and Opening Date

Long Thanh International Airport is located in Long Thanh, Dong Nai Province, approximately 40 km east of central Ho Chi Minh City.

Developed to reduce pressure on Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Long Thanh is expected to become a major aviation hub in southern Vietnam.

According to Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the airport is scheduled to begin commercial operations at 00:00 on December 24, 2026.

In its first phase, the airport is expected to handle up to 366 flights per week, including 322 domestic and 44 international flights.

However, not all flights to Ho Chi Minh City will move to Long Thanh immediately. The transition between the two airports will take place gradually.

Source: Internet

2. Will Your International Flight Arrive at Long Thanh or Tan Son Nhat?

This is one of the most important questions for international travelers visiting Vietnam in late 2026 and 2027.

According to Vietnam Airlines' proposed flight allocation plan reported by Thanh Nien Newspaper on November 4, 2026, the transition will take place in three stages.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

If you are flying from Europe or Australia to Ho Chi Minh City in December 2026 or January 2027, Vietnam Airlines' current plan indicates that your flight is expected to continue arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

However, passengers should not assume that all airlines will follow exactly the same schedule. Vietjet Air is also planning to introduce selected domestic routes at Long Thanh during the initial period.

Our advice: Always check the arrival airport printed on your ticket and monitor airline notifications by email. If your flight is changed, update your airport pickup arrangements accordingly.

3. Prepare Your Documents and Arrival Information

Whether you arrive at Long Thanh or Tan Son Nhat, preparing your travel documents in advance can make your arrival easier.

Before departure, check:

• Passport: Ensure your passport details are correct and meet Vietnam's entry requirements.

• Vietnam visa: Prepare a valid visa if required for your nationality.

• Flight information: Confirm your arrival airport and flight number.

• Accommodation: Save your hotel address and contact details.

• Transportation: Arrange a suitable airport transfer before landing.

If you are traveling with a Vietnam eVisa, check that your passport number, full name, nationality, and other personal details match your actual passport.

Do not wait until you reach the immigration counter to discover that your visa information is incorrect or incomplete.

4. Arrange Your Airport Transfer in Advance

Long Thanh is approximately 40 km from central Ho Chi Minh City, so transportation planning is especially important for travelers unfamiliar with the area.

If your flight arrives at Long Thanh, you should confirm your pickup location and journey arrangements before departure.

Instead of searching for a vehicle after a long flight, you can arrange your pickup details in advance.

Benefits may include:

• Convenient pickup: Have your transportation arrangements confirmed before landing.

• Comfortable travel: Enjoy a private vehicle instead of sharing transportation with other passengers.

• Luggage space: Choose a vehicle suitable for your group and baggage.

• Flexible destination: Travel directly to your hotel, office, or another address.

• Less uncertainty: Avoid the stress of finding a suitable ride in an unfamiliar location.

A private Car transfer airport service can be a convenient option, particularly for families, business travelers, and groups carrying multiple suitcases.

Depending on your needs, you can consider:

• 4-seat cars for individuals or small groups.

• 8-seat cars for families and small groups.

• 16-seat vehicles for larger groups.

You can check available Vietnam airport car service options and confirm airport coverage with the service provider.

5. Can Fast Track Service Help at Long Thanh International Airport?

For first-time visitors, immigration procedures can be one of the most unfamiliar parts of arriving in Vietnam.

A Fast track service is designed to assist eligible passengers with airport procedures and make the immigration experience more convenient, subject to the airport's available arrangements and service conditions.

Depending on the airport and confirmed service package, assistance may include:

• Meet-and-greet assistance at the designated meeting point.

• Guidance to the appropriate immigration area.

• Support with visa-on-arrival procedures, where applicable.

• Assistance through an eligible priority immigration arrangement.

Who May Benefit From Fast Track Service?

This service may be helpful for:

• First-time visitors who are unfamiliar with Vietnamese airport procedures.

• Families traveling with young children.

• Elderly passengers who prefer additional assistance.

• Business travelers with tight schedules.

• Travelers who want a more organized airport arrival experience.

Important: Fast track availability, meeting points, and immigration arrangements depend on the airport's operational policies and the confirmed service package. Travelers planning to arrive at Long Thanh should contact the service provider in advance to confirm whether assistance is available for their specific flight.

Fast track service does not replace visa or entry requirements, guarantee immigration approval, or remove the need to complete mandatory airport procedures.

Source: Internet

6. A Simple Checklist for Your First Arrival at Long Thanh Airport

Before your departure, take a few minutes to review this checklist:

A little preparation can help you avoid confusion and make your first arrival in Vietnam more comfortable.

7. Make Your First Vietnam Airport Experience More Convenient With VAF

Arriving at a new international airport does not have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can move through the arrival process with greater confidence and arrange your onward journey without unnecessary uncertainty.

Vietnam-Airports.com (VAF) provides airport-related services designed to support travelers visiting Vietnam, including airport fast track assistance and private car transfers at supported airports.

If you are planning to arrive at Long Thanh International Airport, contact our team before your trip to check the latest service availability, airport arrangements, and suitable transportation options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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