Vietnam’s Visionary Long Thanh Airport Poised to Revolutionize Global Connectivity and Propel the Nation into a New Era of Tourism Excellence

Written By: Shraddha Das

Shraddha Das

I am a passionate travel writer at Travel and Tour World (TTW) with two years of experience covering the ever-evolving world of travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality. She enjoys turning complex industry updates into engaging stories that inspire and inform readers around the globe. With a keen eye for detail and a love for discovering what makes every destination unique, Shraddha is committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and reader-friendly content that connects people with the world of travel.

See Full Bio

October 4, 2025 1:22 PM

Image generated with Ai

Vietnam is embarking on a transformative journey with the development of the Long Thanh Airport, a colossal infrastructure project that promises to reshape the nation’s tourism and economic landscape. Set to open in 2026, this state-of-the-art airport in Dong Nai Province is designed to become one of the world’s largest, with the capacity to handle 100 million passengers annually. With a projected cost of £10.5 billion, Long Thanh is poised to elevate Vietnam’s status as a global travel hub, providing a significant boost to international tourism while catalyzing economic growth in the surrounding regions. As the project progresses toward completion in 2035, the airport’s ambitious design and strategic location are expected to redefine Vietnam’s role in the world of travel and commerce.

A transformative project is currently under development just outside one of Vietnam’s most prominent cities. A new international airport, set to open in 2026, is expected to significantly change the country’s tourism landscape. The Long Thanh Airport, which is under construction in the Dong Nai Province, is set to become one of the largest airports in the world, with an estimated cost of £10.5 billion. When fully completed, it will be capable of handling 100 million passengers annually, positioning itself as a major global hub on par with some of the busiest airports worldwide.

The construction of Long Thanh Airport is not just an infrastructure project; it represents a significant step in expanding Vietnam’s tourism capacity. Currently, the country sees millions of international visitors each year, and the new airport is expected to boost this number even further. Once operational, it will handle all international flights, shifting the focus of air travel in Vietnam and drawing more tourists to the regions surrounding the airport. Situated about 40 kilometers east of the main city, the airport will be easily accessible, bringing growth and development to the town of Long Thanh, which is often overlooked by tourists.

Despite the ambitious scale of the project, the opening date of the airport remains flexible. While there is optimism that commercial flights could begin as early as mid-2026, the airport’s full completion will take longer. Construction will continue until 2035, when additional runways and terminals are scheduled to be finished. Until then, the airport will gradually open in phases, with the current goal being to establish a major international gateway by 2026.

In late September 2025, Long Thanh reached a significant milestone in its development with the successful completion of its first runway calibration flight. The test involved a small aircraft taking off from the existing city airport and flying to the new site to ensure that the runway was suitable for commercial aviation. The test flight involved a series of low-altitude maneuvers, including simulated takeoffs and landings from various directions and at different altitudes. The results were critical for ensuring that the airport meets all required safety standards before it begins full operations.

The airport’s location in the Dong Nai Province places it in a prime spot for future economic growth. Long Thanh is situated in a region that is becoming increasingly important for both business and tourism. Despite its relative obscurity, the town is only a short drive from the country’s busiest airport, and the two will be connected by an expanded highway and other transport links, including a planned metro and high-speed rail line. These new transport options will reduce travel time between Long Thanh and the capital, making it even more attractive to visitors and encouraging further development in the region.

One of the key features of the new airport is its stunning architectural design. The terminal buildings will feature a lotus-shaped roof, made of 82 meters of glass, which symbolizes the country’s national flower. The lotus is a symbol of optimism and commitment, making it a fitting emblem for an airport designed to attract travelers from all over the world. The design will also include one terminal shaped to resemble the stem of the lotus flower, with the other terminals positioned diagonally. At the heart of the airport will be a large water fountain, surrounded by waiting areas and luxury retail stores, all enclosed in glass, providing travelers with a modern and inviting environment.

Once open, the Long Thanh Airport will handle not just regional but also long-haul international flights. This shift in air traffic will have a significant impact on the surrounding area, including Ho Chi Minh City, which will benefit from the influx of tourists heading to the new airport. With the new transport links and a focus on international visitors, Long Thanh will become a key destination in its own right, bringing economic benefits to a region that has long been underdeveloped in terms of tourism infrastructure.

For those planning to visit Vietnam, it’s important to note that there are currently no visa requirements for citizens of certain countries, including the UK, for stays of up to 46 days for business or tourism. However, travelers must ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their planned date of arrival and that they have at least two blank pages. Additionally, travelers should take care to maintain their passports in good condition, as some individuals have been denied entry or exit due to passport damage.

Vietnam is set to revolutionize its tourism and economy with the Long Thanh Airport, a £10.5 billion project opening in 2026. This massive hub will handle 100 million passengers annually, positioning Vietnam as a global travel powerhouse.

As Vietnam continues to grow as a tourist destination, the opening of Long Thanh Airport marks a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure. The airport’s expansive design, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to sustainability make it a future symbol of Vietnam’s aspirations to become a leading global hub for travel and commerce. With its strategic location, advanced facilities, and impressive architectural design, Long Thanh is set to change the face of tourism in Vietnam and beyond.