Though it officially opened two months ahead of schedule on April 19, the VND 11,000 billion (approx. USD 432 million) Tan Son Nhat Terminal T3 has faced a wave of criticism over construction flaws and design shortcomings that have impacted passenger experience and stirred public concern.

Cracks in the polished image

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Aerial view of Tan Son Nhat Terminal T3. Photo: Nguyen Hue

At first glance, the new T3 terminal impressed with its modern design and high-tech features. Built by a consortium of six contractors led by Hancorp, the terminal aimed to relieve domestic flight congestion and handle up to 20 million passengers annually across a space of over 112,000m².

However, issues quickly emerged. On the evening of May 7, heavy rain exposed roof leaks at the departure waiting area. Water poured onto the floor, prompting airport staff to rush in with buckets and mops.

The project management board blamed the leak on rapid temperature changes. The extreme heat in Ho Chi Minh City caused expansion of materials on the roof, while sudden rain compromised silicone seals. They admitted the terminal, though inaugurated early, lacked adequate real-world testing.

Water leaks again at Terminal T3 during heavy rain. Photo: Tuan Kiet

Further inspection revealed uneven floor tiling in the terminal lobby. Several tiles were misaligned, scratched, cracked, or lacked proper joint filler - posing potential hazards for travelers, especially those in high heels.

In response, the contractor said these issues stemmed from tight timelines to open before the April 30 holiday. Key finishing tasks like silicone sealing, joint filling, and polishing are still ongoing, with full completion expected by late June.

But on May 24, another leak occurred - this time at the check-in and baggage drop area. Contractors blamed a loose gasket in the roof’s drainage system. They claimed the issue was resolved promptly without affecting operations.

Navigational confusion and external congestion

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Passengers confused between T1 and T3, shuttle service in place. Photo: Tuan Kiet

The layout of T3 - physically separate from Terminals 1 and 2 - has also confused travelers. Passengers connecting between terminals frequently get lost or miss flights due to unclear signs and inconsistent traffic flows.

To address this, Tan Son Nhat Airport now operates a free shuttle bus between T1, T2, and T3 from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. every 15–20 minutes. Additionally, an airside shuttle between T3 and T1 is available from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. at 20-minute intervals.

Still, chaos outside the terminal persists. Traffic congestion along Tran Quoc Hoan and Cong Hoa streets - especially near the main entrance - has led to further complaints. In response, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction is working with local police to propose road upgrades, add signage, and strengthen enforcement. Implementation is expected by June 2025.

Despite the early handover and operational success in handling daily domestic flights since early May, the Ministry of Construction has concluded that while the flaws don’t compromise structural safety or flight operations, they do affect visual appeal and user satisfaction.

The ministry has ordered the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to urgently inspect and fully rectify the remaining shortcomings.

Tuan Kiet