The New Saigon Airport: Is Long Thanh Really Opening in 2026? And What It Means for Your Next Trip!

If you’ve flown into Tan Son Nhat (SGN) recently, you know the drill: circling the runway for 30 minutes, waiting forever at immigration, and then battling the gridlock into District 1.

Living down here in Sóc Trăng, I do this run often. Whether it's a domestic hop to Da Lat or my bi-annual long-haul trek back to South Africa to see my parents, navigating Saigon’s airport is always the most stressful part of the journey.

But rumors are flying about the massive new Long Thanh International Airport opening this year. Is it ready? Will it replace SGN entirely? And most importantly for us expats and travelers—will it finally make getting in and out of Vietnam easier?

Here is the on-the-ground reality as of January 2026.

The Big Question: When Does It Actually Open?

There is a lot of confusion right now. You might have seen headlines about "technical flights" landing in late 2025. While that was a great photo op, Long Thanh is not open for commercial passengers yet.

• Target Opening: Commercial operations are currently targeted for June 2026.

• The Reality: For the first half of 2026, do not book a flight assuming you’ll land at the new hub. We are all still routing through good old Tan Son Nhat.

The New Split: Domestic vs. International

Once Long Thanh (LTA) opens, it’s going to change the logistics of Vietnam travel completely:

• Long Thanh (LTA): Will eventually take over about 80% of international flights. If you are flying in from Europe, Australia, or Africa, you’ll likely land here.

• Tan Son Nhat (SGN): Will remain the primary hub for domestic flights (and is currently building its own Terminal 3 to handle the load).

The "Distance" Problem: Long Thanh is about 40km from downtown Saigon (District 1). However, for those of us in the Mekong Delta, the new Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway could allow us to bypass the city center gridlock entirely, shaving hours off the airport run.

The Immigration Bottleneck (And How to Beat It)

Arriving at Tan Son Nhat during peak times can still mean a 45–90 minute wait at immigration. Here is how to skip the line:

• The Auto-Gates: SGN has installed automated gates. If you are an expat with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), you can register for these.

  • Note: You must register your fingerprints and passport manually at the immigration office before your first use.

• Fast Track Services: If you’re on a tourist visa, paid "Fast Track" services are worth every penny after a long-haul flight.

Travel Tip: Need to book a bus or private car from the airport to Vung Tau or Sóc Trăng? [Check routes and prices on 12Go here]

Transit Hotels: Where to Sleep?

Since the airports are 40km apart, your choice depends on your ticket:

Near Tan Son Nhat (SGN)

• The Reliable Choice: Ibis Saigon Airport Hotel. 5-minute shuttle and a rooftop pool.

• District 1: My Favorite is Liberty Saigon Greenview. Great breakfast. ( If you're heading into the city alone, check out my solo travelers to stay savvy during the busy holiday season.) It's not at the airport, but it's close to Ben Thanh market and other malls.

Pro-Tip: Don’t Rush Out of District 1

• If you have a few hours before your flight, District 1 is a street photographer’s playground—especially right now.

  • The Tet Vibe: Head to Hàm Nghi or Phạm Ngũ Lão to capture the massive flower displays and the "yellow apricot" trees (Hoa Mai) being moved on the backs of motorbikes.

  • The Golden Hour: The area around the Saigon Opera House and the Post Office offers incredible light hitting the colonial architecture between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM.

  • The "Slow" Shot: If you’re using a Fuji (like my X-S10), try a slower shutter speed near the Bến Thành roundabout. The trail of red taillights against the blue hour sky is a classic Saigon shot that never gets old.

  Safety Tip: Keep your camera strap wrapped tight around your wrist. D1 is safe, but "snatch and grab" on motorbikes is still the biggest risk for gear-heavy travelers.

Near Long Thanh (LTA)

There are currently no hotels right at the Long Thanh gates.

• The Strategy: Head to Bien Hoa City (The Mira Central Park Hotel) or take a shuttle straight to Vung Tau if you’re heading to the coast.

The "Last Minute" Shopping Strategy

Don't wait until the airport to buy souvenirs—it's a rookie mistake.

1. "Duty-Free" is a Myth: Coffee and snacks inside the terminal are often marked up 200-300%.

2. Shop in District 1: * For Comfort: Go to Takashimaya for premium chocolate (Maison Marou).

   • For Value: Hit a Lotte Mart or Co.op Mart for coffee and cashews at local prices.

   Two Critical Warnings!

3. The Liquid Rule: Fish sauce or artisanal hot sauce must go in checked luggage.

4. The Traffic Buffer: Leave District 1 at least 4 hours before an international flight. Do not test the Saigon traffic gods!

Looking Ahead: The New Era of Vietnam Travel

The transition from the cramped familiar halls of Tan Son Nhat to the massive, modern gates of Long Thanh is going to be a "growing pain" for all of us living and traveling in the south. While the 40km trek might seem daunting at first, the potential for faster transit times into the Mekong Delta and a more streamlined arrival process is a trade-off I’m willing to take. For now, we remain in a state of flux—so keep an eye on your flight codes, register for those auto-gates if you’re an expat, and always leave an extra hour for that unpredictable Saigon traffic. Whether you’re landing in the heart of the city or out in the fields of Dong Nai, the adventure starts the moment you clear customs. Safe travels for 2026!

Aerial architectural render of the new Long Thanh International Airport in Vietnam featuring its iconic lotus-shaped terminal design.