First flight takes off from new terminal at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport

The T3 terminal is part of a major infrastructure project led by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to increase the airport’s overall capacity to 50 million passengers annually.

Previously, the airport operated two terminals: T2 for international flights and T1 for domestic flights, with a combined design capacity of 28 million passengers per year.

The new terminal, now rescheduled to be officially inaugurated on Saturday instead of April 30, spans 112,500 square meters and includes a basement and four floors. 

It is equipped with 90 traditional check-in counters, 20 automated baggage drop stations, and 42 self-service kiosks.

T3 is expected to accommodate 20 million domestic passengers annually, easing congestion at the T1 terminal, which has been operating at nearly 1.7 times its designed capacity.

According to ACV, the new facility meets international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. 

It incorporates advanced aviation technologies and features a network of access roads and overpasses.

The terminal will handle around 80 percent of all domestic flights at Tan Son Nhat.

Vietnam Airlines inaugurated T3 operations with a flight to Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, carrying 105 passengers on board.

The airline plans to gradually transition more domestic routes to T3. 

It will operate at counters 56 to 109 and has installed 22 self-service kiosks to enhance check-in efficiency.

Passengers are encouraged to check their departure terminal information, arrive at least two hours before departure, and consider using online or kiosk check-in to save time.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has instructed the airport to work closely with airlines and service providers to ensure a smooth transition. 

Additional signage and on-site staff will be available to assist travelers and minimize confusion during the initial phase of operations.