Ho Chi Minh City airport’s T3 terminal officially opens

The event marked a significant step forward in the modernization of the country’s transportation network.

PM Chinh described the terminal as a symbol of national unity and collective effort.

He praised the commitment of local authorities, ministries, departments, enterprises, and especially the residents who made personal sacrifices–giving up homes, land, and livelihoods to make way for the terminal and its connecting roads.

"This is a spirit of serving the community, a shared pride," he emphasized.

Spanning 112,500 square meters with one basement and four above-ground floors, the new terminal incorporates smart airport technology.

Air passengers can use chip-based citizen ID cards or the VNeID app to complete check-in, baggage drop, security clearance, and boarding procedures through automated electronic gates.

The ACV Self Services system with shared check-in kiosks helps reduce the need for a large number of traditional ticket counters and enhance process transparency.

The prime minister underscored that digital transformation must be citizen-centered, lowering costs and eliminating negativity.

On its first day of its official operation, the T3 terminal was set to handle 49 domestic flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, serving nearly 12,000 passengers on routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and Quang Ninh Province.

A free shuttle bus system now connects the T1 and T2 terminals with T3, providing added convenience for passengers.

Construction of the T3 terminal began in December 2022 at a total cost of some VND11 trillion (US$426 million).

The project comprises a passenger terminal, a multi-story parking facility with commercial services, an elevated road system, and an aircraft parking area.

The terminal is expected to serve more than 20 million passengers annually and handle up to 7,000 passengers per hour during peak times.

Toward smart transport system

The government leader also outlined a broader vision, which is developing smart terminals not only for aviation but also for rail and waterway transport.

He reaffirmed the goal of completing the mammoth Long Thanh International Airport’s terminal in Dong Nai Province by the end of 2025 and rolling out smart terminal models nationwide.

The T3 terminal offers passengers a simple yet meaningful joy–no longer needing to queue for tickets, and moving through procedures swiftly.

“This is not just a technological achievement, but also a gift to the people and a source of national pride,” he said.

Accelerating infrastructure development nationwide

At the event, PM Chinh acknowledged the achievements in infrastructure across the country, announcing the groundbreaking and inauguration of 80 major national projects.

The T3 terminal was completed two months ahead of schedule, demonstrating the enhanced efforts of relevant units and investors.

Speaking in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and Reunification Day (April 30), he emphasized that as many as 33 key projects nationwide got off the ground on Saturday.

These strategic projects reflect the nation’s political determination to ensure national defense, promote economic development, and step confidently into a new era, he said.