Vietnam Airlines has submitted an official dispatch to the Ministry of Construction and relevant agencies proposing flexible operations for Long Thanh International Airport during its initial phase that will commence in mid-2026 to avoid having to add five new aircrafts in order to maintain the airline’s current flight schedule. This flexibility aims to optimize resource utilization and facilitate smooth passenger connections.
The Ministry of Construction earlier said that Long Thanh International Airport is to handle 80 percent of international flights and 10 percent of domestic flights, while Tan Son Nhat International Airport will accommodate the remaining 20 percent of international flights and 90 percent of domestic flights.
However, Vietnamese airlines are now facing an aircraft shortage and an immediate transfer of operations from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh could significantly affect Vietnam Airlines’ flight operations. To address this, Vietnam Airlines proposed a phased transition plan: relocating long-haul intercontinental routes (to the Americas, Europe, and Australia) to Long Thanh, while gradually transferring regional Asian routes thereafter. This approach is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of both airports, safeguard the interests of domestic airlines, and support Long Thanh International Airport’s development goal of becoming an international transit hub.
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Reference: VN Express, 16 October 2025
