Introduction Long Thanh International Airport (LTA) is poised to become Vietnam’s largest aviation gateway and a major regional hub in Southeast Asia. Designed with a signature lotus-shaped terminal, this mega-project is being developed in four main phases. In this guide, we provide a detailed look at the terminal layout and the operational timeline you need to know.
The Iconic Lotus Terminal Layout
The passenger terminal (Terminal 1) is the heart of Phase 1. Designed by South Korean experts, the architecture reflects the beauty of the national flower—the Lotus.
- Level 1 (Arrivals): Dedicated to baggage claim, customs, and arrival halls. Here, travelers can easily find airport transfer services and currency exchange.
- Level 2 & 3 (Departure Lounges): These floors feature high-end duty-free shops, restaurants offering local food Long Thanh, and spacious waiting areas with panoramic views of the runway.
- Level 4 (Check-in & Security): A massive hall with state-of-the-art self-check-in kiosks and dedicated security lanes to ensure seamless passenger flow.
Development and Operation Phases
The project is divided into specific stages to gradually scale up to 100 million passengers per year.
Phase 1: The Grand Opening (Scheduled for June 2026)
- Capacity: 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo per year.
- Scope: Completion of Terminal 1, one 4,000-meter runway, a taxiway system, and a 45-meter control tower.
- Focus: Handling major international flights and relieving pressure from Tan Son Nhat (SGN).
Phase 2: Expansion (Post-2026)
- Capacity: Increasing to 50 million passengers per year.
- Scope: Construction of a second open runway and additional terminal facilities to handle growing demand.
Phase 3 & 4: Full Scale (Towards 2040)
- Final Capacity: 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo per year.
- Scope: Four runways and four passenger terminals in total, making it one of the top airports in the world.
Conclusion
Long Thanh International Airport is not just a transport hub; it’s a symbol of Vietnam’s globalism and future prosperity. Whether you are a traveler looking for a Long Thanh travel guide or an investor tracking Vietnam airport updates, LTA is the place to watch in 2026.