According to its operational plan for the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) peak period, Tan Son Nhat International Airport is projected to handle approximately 145,000 passengers per day. With 61 airlines currently operating at the airport, the average daily traffic is expected to reach 940 arrivals and departures, with the busiest day potentially accommodating up to 1,025 flights.

Terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which commenced operations in April 2025, has introduced optimized and flexible operational processes, focusing on breakthrough improvements through digital transformation solutions to enhance capacity. The airport has coordinated with Southern Air Traffic Management Company to establish standardized taxi routes within the aircraft parking apron. This initiative reduces the workload of air traffic controllers and enables pilots to identify parking positions more efficiently, minimizing taxiway occupancy time and facilitating smoother operations for other aircraft.

Domestic Security Screening Area at Terminal T1

In addition, Tan Son Nhat International Airport has implemented and operated the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) model, enabling aircraft taxi time savings of approximately 1.2 to 1.5 minutes per movement. With an annual traffic volume exceeding 255,000 take-offs and landings, these savings contribute meaningfully to fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The airport has further strengthened the application of science, technology, and digital transformation in its operations, including the deployment of cashless payment systems; real-time aircraft and passenger monitoring software to support effective resource allocation and operational coordination; upgraded information technology infrastructure; implementation of the common-use CUTE/CUPPS check-in systems; and enhancements to the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) to improve data accuracy and reduce processing time.

The airport has worked closely with Border Police and Southern Air Traffic Management Company to ensure safe and flexible passenger services and flight operations during peak hours. Coordination with the Southern Airports Authority has been intensified to strengthen oversight of aviation safety, security compliance, and service quality standards. In parallel, collaboration with the Aviation Meteorological Center has enhanced weather observation and forecasting capabilities, enabling timely updates on weather developments—particularly adverse conditions—and ensuring appropriate operational adjustments.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport continues to maintain strict command and operational duty regimes, including full staffing of the Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC), to ensure prompt response to any emergencies that may arise within terminal areas or airside operations.

During peak periods, particularly the Lunar New Year, the airport has deployed volunteer teams comprising members of the Airport Youth Union, the Vietnam Aviation Academy Youth Union, and the Youth Union of the Border Police at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. These teams support passengers in public areas, security screening zones, and border control areas during peak hours (05:00–21:00) from 7–16 February 2026 and 20–22 February 2026.

Launching Ceremony of the “Youth Volunteers Supporting Passengers During the 2026 Lunar New Year Peak” Program

The airport coordinates closely with relevant units to implement operational plans and update flight information promptly to ensure balanced resource allocation during peak hours. Special attention is given to handling VIP and charter flights, addressing operational matters efficiently, and resolving arising issues in a timely manner to maintain smooth operations.

All non-aviation service providers, taxi operators, ride-hailing services, and other service suppliers are required to commit to maintaining service quality and food safety standards. Ground transport operators must increase vehicle availability by at least 25% compared to their registered fleet size to meet passenger demand.

Passengers Completing Check-in at Terminal T3

The airport has proactively reviewed infrastructure and terminal layouts, making necessary adjustments to align with operational requirements. Traffic flow, aviation procedures, parking areas, and pick-up/drop-off zones have been reorganized to ensure flexibility and minimize congestion. Human resources have been strategically allocated to support peak operations before, during, and after the holiday period.

Passenger amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and free drinking water continue to be provided. The airport is also implementing measures to enhance overall service quality and deliver a comfortable passenger experience.

Service providers operating at the airport are required to remain fully prepared under all circumstances, maintain service standards during flight operating hours, ensure food safety compliance, and publicly display pricing information.

Airline representatives are required to be present at check-in counters and boarding gates to promptly inform and assist passengers in cases of flight delays or cancellations, thereby preventing dissatisfaction, disorder, or security disruptions within the terminals.

Youth Volunteers Assisting Passengers

The airport also maintains strict supervision of passenger transport vehicles and service providers operating within the premises. Additional personnel have been assigned to manage baggage trolley collection and distribution, ensuring sufficient availability during peak operational hours.

News and photos:Tan Son Nhat International Airport