Tan Son Nhat Airport 'cools down'

On February 16th (the 29th day of the Lunar New Year), Tan Son Nhat Airport served nearly 120,000 passengers with 863 flights, a sharp decrease compared to the peak days of the 27th and 28th of the Lunar New Year, but the domestic terminal remained bustling.

After a peak period exceeding 150,000 passengers, traffic at Tan Son Nhat Airport began to cool down on February 16th (the 29th day of the Lunar New Year).

While the 27th and 28th of Tet saw over 1,000 flights per day, serving more than 150,000 passengers, by the 29th of Tet, the total number of flights had decreased to 863 with 119,693 passengers, which is about 30,000-40,000 fewer than the previous peak period.

Despite signs of slowing down in passenger traffic, the atmosphere at Tan Son Nhat domestic terminal remains bustling. From early morning, crowds of people stream into the airport, pulling suitcases, carrying backpacks, and hauling bags of Tet gifts, creating a typical scene of the year-end. The waiting area is always packed, with flight announcements blaring continuously, blending with the lively sounds of conversation.

Around 8 AM, the check-in area at Terminal 3 saw a significant increase in passengers. Long lines formed in front of the check-in counters, but there was no longer the overcrowding and congestion seen in the previous two days. Airport security continuously directed the flow of people, guiding passengers to move in the correct lanes to avoid localized congestion.

According to the flight operation plan for the 29th day of the Lunar New Year, a total of 863 flights were operated, including 421 takeoffs and 442 landings. Compared to the 27th and 28th days of the Lunar New Year, the number of flights decreased by about 15-20%, indicating that the peak travel period has passed. However, this number is still much higher than on a normal day.

Despite the slowdown in passenger traffic, the atmosphere at Terminal 3 remains bustling.

Outbound flights still accounted for the majority, with 71,726 passengers departing Ho Chi Minh City, including 46,645 domestic and 25,081 international passengers. On the inbound side, Tan Son Nhat Airport recorded 47,967 landings, including 21,301 domestic and 26,666 international passengers.

The number of visitors remained relatively stable, especially international tourists, as many Vietnamese living abroad took advantage of the opportunity to return home just before Tet to reunite with their families.

At the departure waiting area, Mr. Tran Minh Tuan (from Nghe An province) said that he was busy this year and could only manage to fly on the last flight of the year.

"Two days ago, my friend had to wait a very long time at the airport, so I was worried. Today it's crowded, but travel is still smooth. I just hope to get home in time for the New Year's Eve dinner with my family," Tuan shared.

Passengers wait for their boarding time.

Sitting nearby, Ms. Le Thi Hong (from Hanoi ) was comforting her two young children who were tired after a long taxi ride from their home (formerly Binh Chanh district) to the airport. She said she had carefully considered whether to travel on the 27th or 29th of Tet.

"The airport was still busy today, but not to the point of being overcrowded. It was easier for the children to travel, and the procedures were faster than I expected," said Ms. Hong.

In the international arrivals area, the atmosphere was quite different. Many families were holding fresh flowers while waiting for their relatives. Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc (a Vietnamese-American) said he chose to fly close to Tet (Lunar New Year) to have more time to work abroad.

"I return to Vietnam almost every year. Every time I land at Tan Son Nhat airport during these days, I have a very special feeling. The Tet atmosphere is more pronounced; everywhere you look, you see people rushing around, but everyone is happy," Mr. Phuc expressed.

Compared to previous days, the scenes of crowded walkways and overloaded waiting areas have significantly decreased.

The distribution by terminal shows that the domestic area continues to be the focus. Terminal T3 handled the most flights with 171 departures and 184 arrivals, followed by Terminal T1 with 96 departures and 106 arrivals.

Terminal T2 handles 153 international departures and 150 international arrivals. Terminal T3 accounts for a large proportion of operations, keeping the area busy throughout the day.

Compared to previous days, the congestion in walkways and waiting areas has significantly decreased. However, during peak hours in the morning and evening, passengers still queue in long lines at check-in counters and security screening areas. Ground staff constantly assist elderly passengers, families with young children, and address any arising issues.

From the 29th day of the Lunar New Year onwards, flight volume usually decreases slightly before entering the peak period for return flights after the holiday.

From the 29th day of the Lunar New Year onwards, flight volume usually decreases slightly before entering the peak period for return flights after the holiday.

According to airport representatives, the gradual decrease in traffic on the 29th day of the Lunar New Year is a familiar annual occurrence as most people have left the city earlier. After the 29th day of the Lunar New Year, the number of flights usually decreases slightly before entering the peak period for return flights after the holiday.

Source: https://znews.vn/san-bay-tan-son-nhat-ha-nhiet-post1628617.html