According to Tan Son Nhat Airport authorities, starting April 28, Terminal 3 will only handle Vietnam Airlines flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as Van Don (Quang Ninh). Other domestic routes and services operated by Pacific Airlines, Vasco, and Vietjet will continue operating from Terminal 1.

Vietnam Airlines announced the adjustment after reviewing operational realities, aiming to optimize the travel experience and convenience for passengers. The airline emphasized that a new timeline for the full transition would be announced soon.

Terminal 3, which cost nearly 11 trillion VND (approximately 433 million USD), was officially inaugurated on April 19. It has a designed capacity of 20 million passengers annually, boosting Tan Son Nhat Airport’s total capacity to 50 million passengers per year.

In the first week of operation, Terminal 3 successfully handled 390 Vietnam Airlines flights, serving over 100,000 passengers.

As passenger demand surges during the April 30 and May 1 public holidays, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam expects Tan Son Nhat to handle 5,083 flights, averaging 462 flights per day, and offering over 1 million seats. The Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City route remains the busiest, with 1,261 flights and about 305,000 available seats.

Tan Son Nhat authorities have prepared detailed operational plans for the holiday peak. The airport is expected to handle an average of 122,000 passengers daily, with two peak days - May 2 and May 4 - forecasted to see 770 flights and 126,000 passengers each day.

Passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures. Check-in online is highly recommended to save time, along with ensuring all travel documents and baggage comply with regulations.

Although Terminal 3 is now operational, Vietjet continues to operate from Terminal 1. Currently, only Vietnam Airlines flights to Hanoi and Van Don depart from Terminal 3, with check-in counters at doors D4, D5, and D6. All other Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vasco flights remain at Terminal 1.

To facilitate connections between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, the airport offers a free shuttle bus service from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., with departures every 15-20 minutes.

Tuan Kiet