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The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has just announced and implemented a bold plan to optimize service capacity, reduce pressure on infrastructure, and provide a more convenient travel experience for millions of passengers each year. This major change is not just a technical adjustment, but also a strategic turning point, reshaping the way this vital airport operates.
According to the new plan issued by ACV, Tan Son Nhat International Airport will be clearly divided into two main operating areas for domestic airlines, aiming to end the chaos and overcrowding of the past years. A key aspect of this change is the near-exclusive operation of the terminals by the two major domestic airlines: Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines.
According to the new plan, Terminal T1, with a designed capacity of 15 million passengers per year, will be almost entirely dedicated to Vietjet Air operating domestic flights.
Terminal T1, with a designed capacity of 15 million passengers per year, will be exclusively for Vietjet Air. To accommodate this major change, ACV has relocated the entire check-in area of this airline to Hall A, an area previously managed by Vietnam Airlines. This consolidation not only makes it easier for Vietjet passengers to find check-in counters but also creates a smoother flow of passengers, reducing the need to move between halls.
To accommodate this change, ACV has completely rearranged the check-in area at Terminal 1.
Meanwhile, Hall B, with its prime location, will be completely renovated and transformed into a modern transit hub. This hub will serve as a crucial link, connecting passengers between the three main terminals: T1, T2, and T3. To ensure convenient and quick movement between terminals, ACV has arranged dedicated shuttle bus routes operating on the airport's internal roads. This not only saves passengers time but also significantly reduces traffic congestion outside the terminal area, a persistent problem for many years.
Terminal T3, a newly operational facility, has a designed capacity of up to 20 million passengers per year. This terminal will become a new domestic hub, serving as the operational center for Vietnam Airlines Group (including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO), along with Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines.
Meanwhile, Hall B will be renovated and repurposed as a transfer hall, serving as a connection point for passengers moving between terminals T1, T2, and T3.
Here, ACV has implemented a scientific and rational allocation of check-in counter locations to optimize the check-in process. Vietnam Airlines, as the national airline, is given priority to operate in the largest area, from counters 56 to 109, facilitating service for a large number of passengers. Bamboo Airways, a dynamic airline, will serve passengers in the area from counters 43 to 52. Meanwhile, Vietravel Airlines is allocated counters from 25 to 31. For VASCO, the airline operating specialized routes to Con Dao, Rach Gia, and Ca Mau, there will be a separate check-in counter in the area from 19 to 24. Finally, Pacific Airlines will serve passengers in the row of counters from 11 to 18.
This arrangement not only makes it easier for passengers to find their check-in area but also minimizes queuing and waiting times, contributing to improved service quality. Although Terminal 3 is the focal point of the changes, Terminal 2 retains its role as the international terminal, serving all flights to and from overseas with a capacity of 17 million passengers per year.
With this change, passengers need to pay special attention to the terminal information on their airline tickets.
With these major and sudden changes, caution and proactiveness are paramount for passengers. For a smooth journey, passengers should pay particular attention to the terminal information printed on their airline tickets. Before heading to the airport, double-check to confirm the exact terminal your airline will be departing from. In the initial phase of implementing these new regulations, terminal confusion is unavoidable. Therefore, the best advice is to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow sufficient time to handle any unforeseen situations and avoid missing your flight.
The changes at Tan Son Nhat International Airport are a necessary step to meet the development needs of Vietnam's aviation industry. Although they may cause some initial confusion, in the long run, these changes promise to bring a more efficient, convenient, and civilized travel experience for everyone. This is a testament to ACV's continuous efforts in improving infrastructure and services, taking Vietnam's aviation industry to a new level.
