Long Thanh International Airport Opens 2026: What It Means for Vietnam Travel

Vietnam is about to make a bold entrance onto the global aviation stage. Long Thanh International Airport, the country’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure project in decades, is set to begin commercial operations in June 2026. Located approximately 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City in Dong Nai Province, this mega-airport represents a transformative moment for international travel to Vietnam and for the millions of visitors who arrive each year for business, tourism, and increasingly, world-class dental care.

Here is everything you need to know about the new airport and how it will reshape travel to Vietnam.

A New Gateway to Southern Vietnam

Long Thanh International Airport has been in planning and construction for over a decade, and the scale of the project is staggering. Phase 1, which opens in mid-2026, features a single terminal and runway capable of handling 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually.

But that is just the beginning. The airport’s master plan calls for an ultimate capacity exceeding 100 million passengers per year across multiple terminals and runways, which would make it the largest airport in Southeast Asia, surpassing even Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Singapore’s Changi in total throughput.

The facility received its first technical flight in December 2025, marking a critical milestone in the testing and commissioning process. Since then, the airport authority has been conducting operational readiness trials, training staff, and coordinating with airlines on the transition schedule.

Which Flights Are Moving to Long Thanh?

The primary reason for building Long Thanh is to relieve the severe congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which has been operating well beyond its designed capacity for years. Anyone who has flown into Ho Chi Minh City knows the experience: long taxi times, crowded terminals, and delays that ripple through the entire schedule.

Under the transition plan, all long-haul international flights will shift from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh first. This includes routes to and from Europe, India, the Middle East, and North America. These are the flights that use the largest aircraft and require the longest runways, making them the most natural fit for the new facility.

Routes to Northeast Asian destinations such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan are expected to follow in 2027 as the airport ramps up operations and additional airline infrastructure comes online. Tan Son Nhat will continue to handle domestic flights and shorter regional routes for the foreseeable future, gradually transitioning into a secondary role.

What This Means for Travelers

A Dramatically Improved Arrival Experience

For international passengers arriving from long-haul origins, the difference will be immediately noticeable. Long Thanh’s terminal has been designed from the ground up with modern passenger flow in mind. Wide concourses, efficient immigration processing areas, ample gate capacity, and contemporary amenities will replace the cramped, aging infrastructure at Tan Son Nhat.

The airport will feature automated immigration kiosks, multilingual signage, a wide selection of dining and retail options, comfortable lounges, and seamless connectivity to ground transportation. For travelers arriving after a 10 to 15 hour flight from Sydney, London, or Los Angeles, this is a welcome upgrade.

Getting from Long Thanh to Ho Chi Minh City

The 40-kilometer distance from Long Thanh to central Ho Chi Minh City is comparable to the distance between many major cities and their international airports. A dedicated expressway connects the airport to the city, with travel times of approximately 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. Airport bus services, taxis, and ride-hailing apps will all be available from day one.

There are also longer-term plans for a rapid transit rail link between Long Thanh and the city center, though this is not expected to be operational at launch. For now, the expressway connection is fast and reliable.

For Travelers Heading to Hanoi

If your destination is Hanoi rather than Ho Chi Minh City, your travel experience remains essentially unchanged. Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi recently completed its own expansion, adding terminal capacity and improving passenger facilities. International flights to Hanoi will continue to land at Noi Bai as they always have.

Domestic connecting flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi operate frequently throughout the day, with flight times of approximately two hours. If you are flying internationally into Long Thanh and connecting onward to Hanoi, you will need to transfer to Tan Son Nhat for the domestic leg during the transition period. Airlines are expected to offer coordinated ticketing to simplify this process.

How Long Thanh Airport Impacts Dental Tourism

Vietnam’s dental tourism industry has grown rapidly over the past five years, driven by significant cost savings compared to Western countries, high clinical standards, and the appeal of combining treatment with travel. The opening of Long Thanh removes one of the practical friction points that some international patients have experienced: the congested and outdated arrival process at Tan Son Nhat.

A Better First Impression

For patients flying in specifically for dental work, the arrival experience sets the tone for the entire trip. Landing at a modern, spacious, well-organized airport after a long flight is far more pleasant than navigating the crowds at Tan Son Nhat. It is a small thing, but it matters, especially for patients who may be anxious about receiving treatment abroad for the first time.

Easier Access for European and Australian Patients

European and Australian patients make up a large share of Vietnam’s dental tourism market. Both groups fly long-haul routes that will be among the first to move to Long Thanh. Direct flights from London, Paris, Sydney, and Melbourne will arrive at the new facility, giving these patients a smoother start to their dental trip.

Picasso Dental Clinic: Locations in Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

For patients arriving into southern Vietnam through Long Thanh, Picasso Dental Clinic operates a branch in Ho Chi Minh City at 25B Nguyen Duy Hieu, Phuong Thao Dien, Quan 2, HCMC. This location is well-positioned for patients staying in the popular District 2 and Thao Dien areas, which are a straightforward drive from Long Thanh Airport.

For those traveling to northern Vietnam, Picasso Dental Clinic has two branches in Hanoi:

Old Quarter Branch: 16 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Hanoi — centrally located near the historic Old Quarter, ideal for patients who want to explore the city between appointments
Westlake Square Branch: LKC22 Hoang Minh Thao, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi — a modern clinic in a newer part of the city with excellent facilities

All three locations provide the full spectrum of dental services, including dental implants, All-on-4 full-arch restorations, porcelain veneers, crowns, and general dentistry. The clinics are staffed by internationally trained dentists and English-speaking support teams who specialize in treating overseas patients.

How to Plan Your Dental Trip Around the New Airport

Whether you are arriving at Long Thanh or Noi Bai, planning a dental trip to Vietnam in 2026 is straightforward. Here is a practical framework.

Step 1: Choose Your Destination City

Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer excellent dental care. Hanoi is known for its Old Quarter charm, street food culture, and proximity to Ha Long Bay. Ho Chi Minh City is larger, more cosmopolitan, and closer to beach destinations like Phu Quoc and Mui Ne. Choose based on personal preference or clinic availability.

Step 2: Book a Virtual Consultation

Before you fly, arrange an online consultation with your chosen clinic. This allows the dental team to review your case, provide a preliminary treatment plan, and give you a cost estimate. You can contact Picasso Dental Clinic directly to set this up.

Step 3: Arrange Your Visa

Most Western nationals can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days, which is more than enough for a standard dental implant procedure. For longer treatment plans such as All-on-4 cases requiring extended healing time, a 90-day e-visa is available to all nationalities. Read our complete dental tourism guide for Vietnam in 2026 for detailed visa information.

Step 4: Book Flights and Accommodation

If you are flying into Ho Chi Minh City from a long-haul origin after June 2026, your flight will likely arrive at Long Thanh. Budget 50 to 70 minutes for the transfer to the city center. For Hanoi, flights land at Noi Bai, about 45 minutes from the city center.

Step 5: Allow Time to Enjoy Vietnam

Most dental treatments involve some waiting time between appointments. Use those days to explore. Visit Ha Long Bay from Hanoi, take a cooking class in Hoi An, or cruise the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. Dental tourism does not have to feel clinical. Many patients describe their treatment trip as one of the best holidays they have ever taken.

The Bigger Picture: Vietnam’s Infrastructure Moment

Long Thanh Airport is part of a broader wave of infrastructure investment that is reshaping Vietnam’s connectivity. New expressways, expanded rail networks, and upgraded regional airports are all making the country easier to navigate for international visitors.

For the dental tourism sector specifically, this infrastructure push is significant. Better airports mean smoother arrivals. Better roads mean shorter transfer times. And better overall travel experiences mean more patients are willing to make the trip, knowing that the logistics will be hassle-free.

Combined with Vietnam’s already compelling value proposition — savings of 50 to 70 percent on dental procedures compared to Western countries, internationally trained dentists, and modern clinic facilities — the opening of Long Thanh Airport is another reason to seriously consider Vietnam for your next dental treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Long Thanh International Airport open for commercial flights?

Long Thanh International Airport is scheduled to begin commercial operations in June 2026. The airport received its first technical test flight in December 2025 and has been conducting operational readiness trials since then. Long-haul international routes from Europe, North America, India, and the Middle East will be the first to transition from Tan Son Nhat.

Which airlines will operate from Long Thanh Airport?

All airlines currently operating long-haul international routes into Ho Chi Minh City will transition to Long Thanh. This includes Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and major international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, British Airways, and others. Northeast Asian routes are expected to follow in 2027.

How far is Long Thanh Airport from Ho Chi Minh City center?

Long Thanh Airport is located approximately 40 kilometers east of central Ho Chi Minh City in Dong Nai Province. A dedicated expressway connects the airport to the city, with travel times of around 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Taxis, ride-hailing services, and airport buses will be available from the opening day.

Does the new airport affect flights to Hanoi?

No. If you are flying to Hanoi for dental treatment or tourism, your flight will continue to arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, which recently completed its own expansion and improvement project. Noi Bai handles all international and domestic flights into northern Vietnam and is located about 45 minutes from central Hanoi.

How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi for dental treatment?

Frequent domestic flights connect Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi throughout the day, with a flight time of approximately two hours. Airlines including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate this route. During the Long Thanh transition period, domestic flights will continue to depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport. One-way fares are typically very affordable, often under 50 USD when booked in advance.