Vietnam's flagship airport struggles to attract airlines despite completion

Long Thanh International Airport, positioned as Vietnam's gateway to global aviation, has completed its initial phase and begun limited operations, yet major airlines remain cautious about committing to the facility. The airport, constructed over more than a decade at a cost exceeding $14 billion, was designed to relieve congestion at Ho Chi Minh City's aging Tan Son Nhat airport and position the country as a regional aviation hub.

Despite the infrastructure's readiness, carriers have been slow to shift operations or establish new routes at the facility. Airlines cite concerns over route profitability, ground service availability, and competitive pressures from well-established hubs in Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. The gradual ramp-up of international flights has fallen short of projections made during the airport's planning phase.

Vietnamese aviation authorities have implemented promotional measures to encourage airline participation, including reduced landing fees and incentives for carriers launching new regional and international services. However, industry analysts note that Long Thanh's success depends not only on price advantages but also on demonstrating consistent operational efficiency and passenger demand.

The airport's performance will be closely watched as a barometer of Vietnam's ability to compete in the region's aviation sector. Government officials have maintained that the facility will eventually achieve its capacity targets, though timelines for reaching projected passenger volumes have been extended.