At Vietnam's biggest gateway, Ho Chi Minh's Tan Son Nhat Airport, the crowding that had long been a headache is heading toward resolution. TheTerminal 3 (T3)which began full operation from Tet (Lunar New Year) in February 2026, handlesabout 80%of domestic flights, and at peak times it processed about180,000 peoplea day without major backups.
What changed when T3 opened
With T3 and the opening of a related road (between Tran Quoc Hoan and Cong Hoa), the chronic congestion and crowding around the airport eased. Even during the busy Tet period, check-in, security, and the arrivals hall all kept a steady flow, and the previous "localized crowding" did not recur. Handling a peak of about 180,000 people a day backs up that effect.
Six carriers depart from and arrive at T3
T3 houses six carriers — Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Bamboo, Vietravel, Vasco, and Sun PhuQuoc Airways — handling about 80% of domestic passengers. With the flow of international flights (existing terminal) and domestic flights (T3) separated, connections and pickups/drop-offs have become easier to navigate too.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation | Full operation from Tet (February) 2026 |
| Handling | About 80% of domestic passengers / six carriers depart and arrive |
| Peak processing | About 180,000 people a day (busy Tet period) |
| Accompanying | Tran Quoc Hoan-Cong Hoa connecting road |
Background: the old Tan Son Nhat at its limit
Tan Son Nhat had long normalized congestion from exceeding capacity, and even the risk of "missing the flight you were supposed to board" was talked about. T3 is the trump card to resolve that structural bottleneck, and by taking on the bulk of domestic flights, it eased crowding at the international terminal in tandem. It is also important as a "bridge" until the future opening of Long Thanh Airport.
Impact on readers
Since domestic flights now depart from and arrive at T3 as a rule, care is needed not to mistake the terminal. When connecting to a domestic flight to or from Ho Chi Minh, it's reassuring to always confirm your terminal before departure. Also allow for travel time between T1 and T3.
Summary
Tan Son Nhat, once synonymous with a "crowded airport," is being reborn with T3. Improving the gateway shapes the first impression of the whole trip.
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Source:VietnamNet
