Long Thanh International Airport: What Travelers to Vietnam Need to Know
Updated: October 9, 2026
Planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City? Long Thanh International Airport is a name you may start seeing as you research flights to southern Vietnam.
The new airport is being developed to support growing demand for air travel and ease pressure on Tan Son Nhat International Airport. For travelers, the most useful questions are practical: when will it open, where is it located, and how could it affect your journey?
Here is what to know before adding Long Thanh Airport to your travel plans.
Where Is Long Thanh International Airport?
Long Thanh International Airport is located in Dong Nai, approximately 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a separate airport from Tan Son Nhat, so the two locations should not be treated as interchangeable when booking flights or arranging transfers. Source: Vietnam Government News.
For your itinerary, the key point is that an arrival at Long Thanh will require a different transfer plan from an arrival at Tan Son Nhat. Check the airport name on your booking before sharing your pickup details with a hotel or driver.
When Will Long Thanh Airport Open?
According to an October 4, 2026 report, Long Thanh Airport is expected to begin commercial operations in late December 2026. This remains a planned opening period, rather than a guarantee that a particular passenger flight will operate on that date. Source: Nhan Dan.
If you are traveling around the opening period, use your airline’s confirmed flight details as the basis for your plans. Recheck those details before departure, especially if you booked several months ahead.
Will My Flight Use Long Thanh or Tan Son Nhat?
Do not assume that every flight serving Ho Chi Minh City will immediately use Long Thanh.
Government reporting has described a phased approach to operations across the two airports. Travelers should therefore check each flight individually instead of relying on a general announcement about the new airport. Source: Vietnam Government News.
Before booking, confirm:
- The full name of your arrival and departure airports.
- Whether a connecting flight leaves from the same airport.
- Any airport changes communicated by your airline.
- The pickup location for your airport transfer.
This is particularly useful if you book flights separately. Two flights associated with the same city may still require travel between different airports.
How Can You Get from Long Thanh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City?
Ground transportation will be an important part of planning a trip through Long Thanh. However, this guide does not yet list confirmed passenger bus schedules, transfer prices, or journey times.
As your travel date approaches, check which services are operating and whether they reach your hotel or neighborhood directly.
When comparing transfer options, look beyond the quoted price. Consider luggage space, pickup instructions, operating hours, and what happens if your flight is delayed.
The airport’s approximate distance from the city should not be used to calculate a fixed transfer time. Your destination, route, and traffic conditions will affect the journey.
Joyous Travel tip: Once your arrival airport is confirmed, send the flight details to your accommodation and ask for clear pickup instructions.
What If You Have a Connecting Flight?
Start by checking whether both flights use the same airport.
If your itinerary requires a transfer between Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat, treat that transfer as a separate part of your journey. You may need time for arrival procedures, baggage collection, road travel, and check-in for the next flight.
Before purchasing the connection, ask the airline or booking provider whether it is protected and who is responsible for arranging the transfer. A short gap between flights can become difficult when an airport change is involved.
What Should You Check Before Traveling?
A few checks can make your arrival easier:
- Review your flight confirmation. Identify the exact airport for every flight.
- Check airline updates. Read any messages about schedule or airport changes.
- Confirm your transfer. Make sure the provider has the correct airport and flight number.
- Review onward connections. Allow for any airport transfer required by your itinerary.
- Keep arrival plans flexible. Avoid scheduling a tightly timed activity immediately after landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Thanh Airport in Ho Chi Minh City?
It is located in Dong Nai, approximately 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers arriving there will need to plan their onward journey to the city or another destination.
Is Long Thanh the same airport as Tan Son Nhat?
No. They are separate airports. Always use the airport stated on your flight confirmation when arranging transportation.
Is the opening date confirmed?
As of October 9, 2026, the latest reporting cited in this guide points to a planned commercial opening in late December 2026. Check subsequent announcements and your airline’s flight details before traveling.
Can I plan my trip through Long Thanh now?
Build your itinerary around flights that your airline actually offers and confirms. An expected airport opening alone is not enough to confirm a route, departure date, or transfer service.
How much will a transfer to central Ho Chi Minh City cost?
This guide does not yet provide verified transfer prices. Check current quotes once services are confirmed, including any additional charges and cancellation terms.
Planning Your Vietnam Arrival
If Long Thanh appears on your flight booking, confirm your airport transfer and onward connections before departure. Keeping the airport name, flight details, and pickup instructions together will help you start your Vietnam trip with a clearer plan.
Joyous Travel will update this guide as opening arrangements, flight services, and ground transportation details are confirmed.