The first aircraft are about to land at Long Thanh airport in quick succession.

According to information from the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority, the plan is to use one Code E aircraft (Boeing 787) on the Noi Bai - Long Thanh - Noi Bai route to transport delegates and high-ranking leaders of the Party and State (this is not a commercial flight).

Subsequently, airlines Vietjet and Bamboo Airways will use Code C aircraft (A320/321) for the Tan Son Nhat - Long Thanh - Tan Son Nhat route. These flights will also only carry the flight crew and technical staff.

The three flights will land in succession, approximately 5 minutes apart.

Long Thanh International Airport is ready to welcome its first flights. (Photo: Civil Aviation Authority).

To ensure successful flights, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam requests airlines to review and calculate to ensure sufficient fuel for aircraft. At the same time, they should ensure their own aircraft repair and maintenance services or work with service providers if necessary.

In addition, prepare the necessary aircraft, flight crews, and technical personnel as required. Review and update the data and technical specifications of Long Thanh Airport to serve the flights on December 19th.

" Airlines must report by December 16th on the progress of preparations, plans, and service arrangements for flights on December 19th according to the scenario mentioned above ," the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority emphasized.

Following a technical flight on the afternoon of December 15th, Vietnam Airlines affirmed its readiness to fully support commercial flights at Long Thanh Airport. The airline has also prepared the necessary personnel, equipment, and technical facilities to handle passenger services, baggage and cargo handling, aircraft technical inspections, in-flight meal provision, and refueling. All operations are conducted in strict accordance with the safety procedures and standards of the authorities.

Mr. Dang Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, said: “ The successful landing of commercial aircraft at Long Thanh International Airport is a significant milestone in the preparation process for the airport's operation, thereby creating a foundation for Long Thanh to become a new regional aviation hub. We are committed to working closely with relevant authorities and partners to ensure safe and efficient operation and provide the best service for passengers at the new airport .”

Phase 1 of Long Thanh Airport, covering over 1,810 hectares, commenced construction on January 5, 2021, with a designed capacity of 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo per year. To date, many key components of the project have been largely completed. Flight testing and calibration of technical systems were carried out from the end of September to the end of October. According to the plan, Long Thanh Airport is expected to begin commercial operations in early 2026.

December 19, 2025 is set as the official inauguration date for Phase 1 of Long Thanh Airport, welcoming its first flight. For Vietnam's aviation industry, this is a significant milestone, opening up expectations for the formation of a large-scale air transit hub in the region, contributing to reducing congestion at Tan Son Nhat Airport and enhancing international connectivity.

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