Vietnam Reveals Game Changing Tan Son Nhat Airport Transformation with T1 Rebuild and T3 Tunnel Ahead of Long Thanh Grand Opening

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A major transformation of Tan Son Nhat International Airport is being considered as preparations are advanced for the commercial opening of Long Thanh International Airport. Under preliminary proposals being studied by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, the ageing T1 Terminal could be demolished and rebuilt, while an underground connection could be created between T1 and the recently opened T3 Terminal. Upgrades to T2 Terminal are also being examined. However, no final decision has been issued, and no construction timetable has been approved. For travellers, the proposals indicate how air journeys through Ho Chi Minh City could be reorganised as Vietnam’s new international gateway is brought into operation.

Earlier Parking Tunnel Proposal Has Been Abandoned

An earlier plan for an underground passage between the TCP parking facility and T1 Terminal is no longer being pursued. That concept has been abandoned, while the possible link between T1 and T3 has continued to be studied separately.

This distinction is important for passengers because the two proposals serve different purposes. The abandoned passage would have been connected primarily with access from the parking area. The remaining concept would be focused more closely on circulation between passenger terminals.

As planning continues, future airport access arrangements are expected to be shaped by the operational roles assigned to T1, T2 and T3. Any underground project would also need to be coordinated with security systems, baggage processes, emergency access and existing airport infrastructure.

Until a formal plan is approved, travellers should not expect immediate changes to parking access or terminal transfer arrangements.

Long Thanh Opening Will Redefine Airport Journeys

The opening of Long Thanh International Airport is expected to produce one of the most significant changes ever made to aviation in southern Vietnam. Tan Son Nhat has long been preferred for its proximity to central Ho Chi Minh City, while Long Thanh is located farther away in Dong Nai.

International travellers could therefore be required to allow more time for road transfers. Journey costs and the risk of congestion will also need to be considered, particularly while rail connections remain under development.

A phased movement of flights is being prepared so that the two airports can be operated together. Under the transition plan reported in April 2026, all long-haul international flights are expected to be transferred to Long Thanh during the first phase. From the summer 2027 schedule until 2030, most other international routes are expected to be moved, except services of under 1,000 kilometres operated by Vietnamese carriers. More than 90 per cent of international traffic could consequently be handled at Long Thanh from 2027.

Tan Son Nhat would then be given a stronger domestic role. The possible rebuilding of T1 can be viewed within that long-term reallocation of traffic.

Travellers Could Receive a More Integrated Airport Experience

If the proposals are approved, several passenger benefits could be delivered. More modern check-in areas could be provided at T1. Security screening could be reorganised, waiting spaces could be enlarged, and accessibility could be improved.

A direct underground connection with T3 could also reduce confusion for passengers whose itineraries involve different domestic airlines. Terminal transfers could be completed without full exposure to surrounding road congestion. More reliable connection times could be supported, although baggage arrangements and airside access would depend on the final design.

The passenger experience would also be influenced by how construction is scheduled. Temporary entrances, altered pick-up points and airline relocations could be required if the existing T1 building is eventually demolished. These arrangements have not been announced because the project has not yet been approved.

Clear communication would therefore be required before any physical work is started. Airlines, airport authorities and transport providers would need to be coordinated so that travellers could be directed correctly.

Passengers Should Continue Checking Terminal Information

No immediate action is required from travellers because the T1 reconstruction and underground link remain preliminary proposals. Flights are continuing to be operated under the current terminal arrangements.

Passengers using Tan Son Nhat International Airport should nevertheless verify their terminal before leaving for the airport. Particular attention should be paid to domestic services because operations are divided between T1 and T3. Flight information should be checked through the operating airline, and sufficient time should be allowed for reaching the correct building.

International passengers should continue using the terminal shown on their booking documents. No journey should be redirected to Long Thanh unless a formal notification has been provided by the airline.

As the wider airport transition progresses, changes are likely to be introduced in phases. Updated instructions will need to be followed because different routes and airlines may be transferred at different times.

A Strategic Aviation Reset Is Being Prepared

The possible rebuilding of T1 demonstrates that Tan Son Nhat International Airport is not expected to lose its importance after Long Thanh is opened. Instead, a different role is being prepared for it.

Domestic connectivity is expected to be concentrated at Tan Son Nhat, while international hub functions are progressively assigned to Long Thanh. T1 and T3 could therefore become central to the movement of passengers between Ho Chi Minh City and destinations across Vietnam.

The proposals also show that airport capacity is being considered as a connected system. Terminal buildings, transfer corridors, parking facilities, surface transport and airline allocation will all need to be coordinated. The success of the transition will be measured not only by construction progress but also by the ease with which passengers can move through the two-airport network.

[Source:- VN Express]