LONG THANH AIRPORT · Flight and Ground Transport Tracking
How Does the Opening of Long Thanh Airport Affect Independent Travelers? Flights, Transfers, and HCMC Transportation
Long Thanh Airport aims for phased commercial operations starting December 2026. Master the LTH and SGN airport codes, flight transfers, luggage, transit, and HCMC city transfers to avoid going to the wrong airport.
Long Thanh Airport aims for phased commercial operations starting December 2026. Master the LTH and SGN airport codes, flight transfers, luggage, transit, and HCMC city transfers to avoid going to the wrong airport.
What does phased operation at Long Thanh Airport mean for travelers?
The Airports Corporation of Vietnam currently aims to start phased commercial operations in December 2026; actual flight arrangements, operational scope, and dates still require confirmation from authorities and airlines.
| Phase | Expected Operational Focus | What Travelers May Encounter | Key Confirmation Points | Transportation Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-opening | Testing, drills, and regulatory procedures | Tickets still based on existing airport arrangements | Airport codes and airline notices | Do not change airport transfers yourself |
| Dec 2026 to Mar 2027 Target Phase | West wing and central area, smaller scale flights | Some domestic and short-haul international flights may use LTH | Flight numbers, dates, terminals | Book modifiable transfers |
| Apr 2027 to Oct 2027 Planning Phase | Operational volume gradually increasing | Routes may continue to adjust | Rescheduling notices and baggage rules | Increase buffer time for cross-airport transfers |
| Full Operation | Expansion according to winter flight schedules | Clearer division of labor between airports | Final official arrangements | Re-evaluate accommodation and transfer zones |
LTH and SGN will coexist for some time
Independent travelers need to adapt to "dual-airport judgment," not delete the old airport from their maps.
Check 3-letter codes on bookings
While both are in the Ho Chi Minh City area, LTH and SGN are different airports. Your arrival and departure might be at different ones.
Include full flight details in transport orders
Just writing "Ho Chi Minh Airport" can easily lead to mistakes; provide the date, flight number, and airport code.
Re-estimate hotel locations
Routes from District 1, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, and industrial zones to the two airports differ; do not rely on old experience.
Do not assume transfers are at the same airport
When transferring from international to domestic or booking separately, check if the next flight is from LTH or SGN.
Transportation options after arriving in HCMC
Public transport, highways, and airport facilities will change with the operational phases; it is better to maintain flexibility initially.
Book airport transfers
For families, heavy luggage, late-night flights, or inter-city travel, confirm driver meeting methods in advance.
Ride-hailing apps
Actual service areas and pickup zones depend on airport operations; do not assume all vehicle types have access in advance.
City shuttles
Schedules, stops, and luggage space depend on official announcements; suitable for light travelers.
Direct cross-city travel
When traveling to Vung Tau, Mui Ne, or resorts, use point-to-point private cars from the airport to the hotel.
Risks are higher when booking separately
If two flight segments are on separate tickets, delays, baggage, and moving between airports are usually at the traveler's own expense and risk.
Direct luggage forwarding
Determined by the airline and ticket number; do not assume it is possible just because it is the same airline.
Need for entry
International-to-domestic usually involves entry, baggage claim, and re-check-in; confirm based on your actual itinerary.
Inter-airport travel time
You must factor in time for luggage, meeting drivers, road traffic, and re-checking in.
Accommodation buffer
If arriving late and departing early, or if transit is uncertain, staying a night is safer than compressing transfer time.
Worth reviewing before departure
- LTH or SGN airport code on your ticket
- Flight number, operating airline, and terminal
- Whether arrival and departure are at the same airport
- Whether luggage can be checked through and if entry is required
- Driver meeting location and waiting rules for transfers
- Any airline change notifications before departure
Continue planning your itinerary
FAQs
Is Long Thanh Airport fully operational?
As of October 2026, the official goal is phased commercial operation from December 2026; it cannot be assumed that all flights have fully relocated yet.
Will all international flights move to Long Thanh Airport?
Do not assume this. Flights will adjust according to phases, airlines, and authorities; you should check the airport code on every segment of your ticket.
Can LTH and SGN be considered the same airport for transfers?
No. The two airports are in different locations; you must recalculate time for luggage, road travel, and check-in for cross-airport transfers.
When should I book airport transfers?
Inquire as soon as you have your flight number and airport code, then confirm again closer to departure to check for any flight or terminal changes.
Can I go directly from Long Thanh Airport to Vung Tau or Mui Ne?
You can plan point-to-point vehicle services based on available roads, service areas, and your accommodation location; final travel time and costs must be confirmed based on your dates.