LONG THANH AIRPORT

After the master planning phase, the focus shifted to take-off and landing infrastructure, the operational foundation of the entire airport. When the Long Thanh runway area had not yet taken shape, before any concrete was poured, the first step was to precisely determine the runway centerline axis. Once boundary markers were established, the entire area was stripped of surface soil and leveled according to the design elevation. This work was carried out across a strip of land stretching several kilometers, requiring high precision. At the same time, the taxiway system was constructed in parallel, forming an integrated network connecting the runway, aircraft parking stands, and the central terminal. After the runway surface was completed, the lighting system was installed along the runway edges, and landing centerline lighting equipment, signage, and navigation support systems were tested simultaneously before trial operations began.

Today, the project has reached its most critical milestone. A ceremonial first flight successfully landed on December 19, 2025, marking a major step towards operational readiness. Now, as of March 2026, the entire site is in its final sprint to the finish line. Nearly 15,000 personnel and 3,000 pieces of machinery are working around the clock, operating on a “three-shift, four-team” basis to recover any delays and ensure synchronization. The government has issued urgent directives for the airport to begin commercial operations by the end of June 2026.

After completing the deep foundation works, primary load-bearing reinforced concrete blocks gradually took shape, defining each functional level of the terminal. Thousands of workers and construction machines operated continuously to erect the structural framework, install systems, and complete the internal technical spaces. This process required close coordination between architectural design, structural engineering, and aviation operational requirements to ensure construction met all standards. Within the structure of the central terminal, the dome roof is the most technically complex and symbolically significant component of Long Thanh International Airport. More than 5,000 tons of steel were assembled into a multi-layer structure covering nearly 20,000 square meters, connected through 256 connection points to form a massive load-bearing framework capable of distributing loads evenly and maintaining stability under strong winds as well as temperature variations. Not only serving an architectural role, the roof system is also designed as a technical envelope, protecting the entire terminal space. The curved structure optimizes long-span coverage, reduces the number of interior columns, and creates an uninterrupted space that allows continuous passenger flow.

Within the entire operational system of Long Thanh Airport, the air traffic control tower is considered the brain that governs every movement. The tower, standing 123 meters tall, rises above the vast airport landscape, serving as a strategic observation point overseeing the entire operational area. The tower shaft has a diameter of approximately 10 meters, designed to be slender yet stable. The control cabin at the top is equipped with modern display and communication systems. Radar installed at the summit enables wide-range aircraft monitoring, supporting precise approach and landing control. With a total investment of approximately 140 million US dollars, the air traffic control tower is not merely a high-rise structure but the coordination center of the entire airport, ensuring all operations are conducted safely, accurately, and continuously.

Surrounding the entire area is a perimeter fence system extending for 38 kilometers. Within an airport covering 5,000 hectares, this physical boundary is essential to ensure security. This system integrates cameras, sensors, and access control, protecting technical zones, fuel storage areas, and runway zones that require high security standards. The fence may not be architecturally impressive, but it is an indispensable component in the operational structure of a mega-airport. Supporting this is a massive fuel supply system, with a supply capacity of approximately 6,000 cubic meters. From this facility, fuel is transported through an underground pipeline network running beneath the aircraft apron, directly connecting to individual aircraft parking positions. Alongside the fuel system is an underground utility tunnel network located beneath the terminal area and apron, where the main operational infrastructure lines are concentrated. Placing the entire technical system underground represents a significant advancement in Vietnam’s infrastructure development.

A major focus of current efforts is not just the airport itself, but the surrounding transportation network. When all phases are completed, the total investment could reach tens of billions of United States dollars. This figure is large enough to generate intense debate, especially as the aviation industry previously fell into crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, rather than being implemented all at once, the project was divided into three phases, allowing adjustments based on actual demand and the pace of market recovery. With phase one nearing completion, authorities have already assigned ACV as the investor for phase two, which will add a second runway and terminal to increase capacity to 50 million passengers per year by 2035.

Officials emphasize that the airport cannot afford to be an “island”; it must be seamlessly connected to Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding region. The pressure to complete this connecting network is immense.

• Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway – finished by end of March 2026.
• Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway – completion June 2026, Phuoc Khanh bridge 95% done.
• Metro: Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem – groundbreaking April 2026.
• Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway – start before June 30, 2026, finish by 2030.
• Seven new bus routes from HCMC interchanges ready for June opening.

In addition, construction activities have created direct impacts at the local level. Many households in the surrounding communities reported that fine dust affected daily life and raised concerns about respiratory health, particularly during peak construction. For this reason, water spraying measures, reservoir construction, and vehicle control systems were implemented during the foundation stage to minimize dust dispersion, although the initial impact still left a noticeable mark.

Long Thanh is first and foremost a practical solution to the congestion challenge in southern Vietnam. Once operational, the airport will reduce pressure on Tan Son Nhat International Airport and improve operational efficiency. According to the operational plan approved by the Ministry of Construction, the two airports will operate in tandem: Long Thanh will handle approximately 80% of international flights and 10% of domestic flights, while Tan Son Nhat will focus on short-haul regional routes. In addition, the establishment of a major aviation hub will generate demand for technical services, aircraft maintenance, aviation workforce training, hospitality, transportation, and commercial activities. This development will create new employment opportunities and stimulate investment in Dong Nai Province and neighboring regions.

The long-term vision extends beyond the runway. Authorities are planning to develop the area into a modern “Airport City” (similar to models in Singapore or South Korea), fostering logistics, commerce, and urban development around the aviation hub. Its significance, therefore, lies not in passenger numbers alone but in the ability to create infrastructure large enough to support long-term growth.

• June 2026 Commercial opening – 25M pax
• By 2030 Railway link from HCMC completed
• 2030–2035 Phase 2 – 50M pax capacity
• Beyond 2035 Full completion – 100M pax

From the red basalt ground of 2020 to today’s modern mega-construction site, Long Thanh is gradually transforming into a new symbol. Challenges related to schedule, cost, and regional competition still lie ahead. Yet, every steel beam installed and every meter of runway completed shows that Vietnam is ready to invest in infrastructure on a global scale.

Long Thanh Airport (IATA: LTH) is an official Vietnam eVisa entry point. Travelers from eligible countries can apply online for a 90-day eVisa (single/multiple entry). The eVisa printout is accepted at immigration. Visa‑exempt entries (15–45 days depending on nationality) are also valid. For Visa on Arrival (VOA), a pre‑approved letter is mandatory — the VOA counter is located before immigration. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has blank pages.

Seven new bus routes will connect Long Thanh with HCMC starting June 2026. Key terminals: Tan Son Nhat Airport, new Mien Dong Bus Station, and Sai Gon Bus Station. Buses prioritize expressways (HCMC–Long Thanh–Dau Giay) for a ~60‑minute ride. Fare expected to be budget‑friendly [citation:1][citation:3][citation:7].

Taxis & ride‑hailing: Mai Linh, Vinasun taxis, and Grab will operate from the official rank. Estimated fare to District 1: 350,000–450,000 VND (~$14–18). Travel time 45–70 minutes depending on traffic.

Private transfer: Pre‑booked cars with meet‑and‑greet are available through hotels or online platforms — ideal for families or business travelers.

Expressway access: HCMC–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway is the main artery; Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway will be fully open by March 2026, easing access from eastern provinces [citation:7].

• HCMC city center (District 1): 40 km – 45–60 min normal traffic, 60–90 min peak [citation:5].
• Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): 45–50 km – 60–90 min by road (expressway + urban). For connecting passengers, a minimum 4‑hour layover is advised when transferring between airports [citation:5].
• New Mien Dong Bus Station: approx. 35 km – 50 min via expressway.
• Vung Tau / Ba Ria: about 70 km – via Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway (opening March 2026) [citation:7].

The VND 35,000 billion passenger terminal is designed to meet international 5‑star airport standards (green, smart, efficient) [citation:6][citation:10]. Key features already installed:

• Baggage handling system (BHS): 99% complete – 2,790 tons of steel conveyors, 7,500 m of ICS belts [citation:6].
• Security scanners: 200+ units for hold and hand luggage, being installed at domestic/international areas.
• 26 passenger boarding bridges (VDGS guidance) ready at gates [citation:6].
• Escalators, elevators, travelators fully installed.
• Lotus‑inspired architecture: extensive glass facade, natural light, indoor gardens and water features.

Lounges, duty‑free, F&B outlets, and airline VIP lounges will be operational by June 2026.

Currency declaration: Cash over USD 5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.

Duty‑free allowances:

• Alcohol: 1.5 litres of spirits (>20% ABV) OR 2 litres of fortified wine (<20% ABV) OR 3 litres of beer.
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes OR 20 cigars OR 250g loose tobacco.
• Personal effects under VND 10 million (~$400) are exempt.

Prohibited: weapons, narcotics, fireworks, anti‑government materials, some wildlife products [citation:9].

For the most current updates, refer to the official Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) website or your airline.