In a report submitted to the Steering Committee overseeing preparations for the airport's launch in Dong Nai province, ACV said it is working closely with contractors to accelerate construction, equipment installation and the completion of technical systems. All construction work is expected to be finished by the end of September, allowing time for trial operations before the airport officially opens.
ACV has also proposed a three-phase transition plan for operations between Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Under the plan, Long Thanh will gradually take over international flights covering distances of more than 1,000 kilometers, while domestic carriers will be free to choose whether to operate from the new airport.
During the first phase, from December 1, 2026, to March 27, 2027, Long Thanh will accommodate airlines opting to relocate, with priority given to Vietnamese carriers operating international routes.
The second phase, from March 28 to October 30, 2027, will see the transfer of all flights to and from Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia, as well as newly launched international routes.
By the third phase, from October 31, 2027, to March 25, 2028, Long Thanh is expected to handle almost all of Vietnam's international air services.
Long Thanh International Airport, located in Dong Nai province, is a 16 billion USD flagship infrastructure project set to become Vietnam's new international aviation hub.
The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has already received operation registrations from three Vietnamese airlines and is in active discussions with dozens of international carriers.
Representatives from 34 foreign airlines, including Korean Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines, have conducted on-site inspections to assess operational readiness. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is also working with ACV on the airport's commercial operating plan, with services expected to begin in December.
Once operational, Long Thanh will serve as Vietnam's primary gateway for long-haul international flights. ACV is also planning to launch 21 new international routes, expected to add around two million passengers annually by 2030.
