Home » Latest Travel News of Vietnam » Now Vietnam Joins Cambodia, India, China, Australia, United States And More In Developing New Mega Airport, Gateway to Affordable Holidays
Published on
September 4, 2025
As the global travel industry continues to evolve, a new wave of mega-airports is transforming the way people travel. Vietnam, following in the footsteps of countries like Cambodia, India, China, Australia, and the United States, is investing heavily in its own state-of-the-art airport—Long Thanh International Airport.
Set to open next year, this £9.5 billion mega airport in Ho Chi Minh City will serve as a major travel hub for Southeast Asia, offering affordable holidays to travelers from around the world. With massive investments in infrastructure, these new airports, including those in Cambodia, India, and China, are not just about boosting tourism; they are creating new gateways to affordable and accessible travel experiences. Vietnam’s Long Thanh International Airport is set to join this global trend, further solidifying the country’s position as a top destination for budget-friendly holidays, all while offering cutting-edge facilities and improved travel experiences.
Long Thanh International Airport: A Global Travel Hub
The new Long Thanh Airport, still under construction, is expected to dramatically boost Vietnam’s tourism and global connectivity. With a construction budget of VND336 trillion (approximately £9.5 billion), the project is being hailed as a game-changer for both the local economy and international tourism. Once completed, Long Thanh will become the largest airport in Vietnam and one of the busiest globally, with an estimated capacity to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, surpassing the capabilities of major global hubs like those in Atlanta and Dubai.
Expected to replace the current Tan Son Nhat International Airport for international flights, the new airport will have modern facilities designed to enhance the travel experience. Its centerpiece will be the main concourse, which will feature an 82-meter-long glass roof shaped like a lotus flower – a symbol of Vietnam’s culture. The design of Long Thanh is not just functional but a stunning architectural marvel, showcasing the country’s aspirations as a modern hub in the global aviation network.
Major Airport Projects WorldwideLong Thanh International Airport – Vietnam
Set to open in 2026, this $9.5 billion mega airport near Ho Chi Minh City aims to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, featuring a lotus-inspired terminal design.Techo International Airport – Cambodia
Scheduled to commence operations on September 9, 2025, this new airport near Phnom Penh is expected to serve 13 million passengers in its first phase, with a long-term capacity of 50 million.Dholera International Airport – India
Planned to open by December 2025, this greenfield airport in Gujarat will support the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, aiming to handle 3.2 million passengers annually.New Mogadishu International Airport – Somalia
Under construction as of 2025, this $800 million project near Mogadishu will feature two 4,000-meter runways and modern terminals to enhance international connectivity.Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport – China
Expected to open by 2026, this airport will be built on reclaimed land in Liaoning province, designed to handle 70 million passengers annually.Airport of the Pacific – El Salvador
Planned to open in 2027, this airport in Conchagua aims to serve the city of La Unión and the planned Bitcoin City, with a 2,400-meter runway.Western Sydney Airport – Australia
Set to open in 2026, this airport aims to alleviate congestion at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, with ongoing discussions about metro rail links to the site.Midland International Air and Space Port – United States
Located in Texas, this airport is undergoing a major terminal expansion, supported by FAA grants, to improve safety and convenience for travelers.Dominica International Airport – Caribbean
Expected to open by 2027, this new airport aims to facilitate direct flights from the UK and other major cities, enhancing accessibility to the island.Nuuk International Airport – Greenland
Opened on November 28, 2024, this airport marks the beginning of a series of airport openings in Greenland, making the country more accessible to travelers.Economic Impact: A Boon for Local and International Travel
Vietnam, already recognized as one of the most affordable holiday destinations, is set to attract even more international tourists with the opening of this mega-airport. The country’s affordability was highlighted by the Post Office in 2023, naming Hoi An as one of the most budget-friendly beach destinations for travelers. Furthermore, the Expat Insider survey listed Vietnam as one of the most affordable countries to live in, making it an attractive destination for long-term visitors and short-term vacationers alike.
For businesses, the new airport will reduce waiting times for transfers and increase flight frequency. Currently, connecting flights at Tan Son Nhat can require waits of up to five hours, but Long Thanh’s design aims to significantly streamline the process, offering faster connections and more efficient travel for business professionals and tourists.
A Rising Star in Southeast Asia
Vietnam’s affordable nature is a key driver for tourism, and the country’s vibrant cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, remain highly attractive for those seeking sun, culture, and history without breaking the bank. The Long Thanh Airport will only add to the region’s appeal, offering direct international connections and upgraded services for those flying in or out of the country.
Besides its affordability, Vietnam offers an ideal climate with temperatures remaining above 30°C year-round, making it a perfect destination for those seeking warmth during colder months in Europe or other regions. For British tourists, the time zone difference is just seven hours, making it a relatively easy destination to travel to from the UK, with no visa required for stays of up to 45 days.
Global Airport Projects Comparable to Long Thanh International AirportTecho International Airport – Cambodia
Scheduled to open on September 9, 2025, this airport near Phnom Penh is set to replace the existing Phnom Penh International Airport as the city’s main aviation hub.Dholera International Airport – India
Planned to open by December 2025, this greenfield airport in Gujarat will support the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, aiming to handle 3.2 million passengers annually.New Mogadishu International Airport – Somalia
Under construction as of 2025, this $800 million project near Mogadishu will feature two 4,000-meter runways and modern terminals to enhance international connectivity.Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport – China
Expected to open by 2026, this airport will be built on reclaimed land in Liaoning province, designed to handle 70 million passengers annually.Airport of the Pacific – El Salvador
Planned to open in 2027, this airport in Conchagua aims to serve the city of La Unión and the planned Bitcoin City, with a 2,400-meter runway.Western Sydney Airport – Australia
Set to open in 2026, this airport aims to alleviate congestion at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, with ongoing discussions about metro rail links to the site.Midland International Air and Space Port – United States
Located in Texas, this airport is undergoing a major terminal expansion, supported by FAA grants, to improve safety and convenience for travelers.Dominica International Airport – Caribbean
Expected to open by 2027, this new airport aims to facilitate direct flights from the UK and other major cities, enhancing accessibility to the island.Nuuk International Airport – Greenland
Opened on November 28, 2024, this airport marks the beginning of a series of airport openings in Greenland, making the country more accessible to travelers.What Tourists Can Expect from Long Thanh Airport
Long Thanh International Airport is more than just an entry point; it will be a key piece of Vietnam’s development as a global destination for both tourism and business. Upon opening, the airport will feature world-class amenities, including:
A Lotus-Inspired Main Terminal: The striking lotus-shaped glass roof is expected to become a symbol of modern Vietnam.Faster Connections: The airport’s multiple terminals and extensive runway plans will reduce transfer times significantly.Increased Capacity: With a goal to welcome 100 million passengers annually, Long Thanh will be a key player in Southeast Asia’s aviation industry.Expanded Services: More flights and better access to the region will open up opportunities for tourists and business travelers alike.Vietnam as an Affordable Travel Destination
While the new airport brings modernity to Vietnam, the country remains one of the most affordable destinations in Asia. Hotels, restaurants, and everyday expenses in Vietnam are still remarkably cheap compared to other countries in the region, especially when compared to destinations like Thailand and Bali. This affordability means that tourists can experience luxury and cultural richness without breaking their budgets.
In addition to its low costs, Vietnam offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beaches of Hoi An and the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay. The combination of an affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and a rich cultural heritage makes Vietnam a highly attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Key Points to RememberLong Thanh International Airport is set to open next year with a cost of £9.5 billion.Vietnam is one of the most affordable holiday destinations in Southeast Asia, with budget-friendly accommodation, food, and activities.The new airport is expected to increase Vietnam’s tourist traffic, becoming a hub for up to 100 million passengers per year.The airport’s lotus-shaped glass roof will serve as a unique architectural landmark.British tourists can visit for up to 45 days without requiring a visa, making it a convenient and attractive holiday destination.What This Means for Tourists and Business Travelers
The opening of Long Thanh International Airport will make Vietnam more accessible and attractive for tourists and business travelers alike. The new airport will cut down on wait times, offer more flight options, and create a smoother experience for those flying in and out of the country. For businesses, this new hub will allow for easier access to one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, enhancing opportunities for trade and partnerships.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s Long Thanh International Airport represents a bold step forward for the country’s tourism and aviation industries. With its impressive design, high passenger capacity, and strategic location, it is set to become one of the largest airport hubs in the world. For tourists, the opening of the airport means easier access to one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable and dynamic destinations, offering sun, culture, and adventure at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries in the region.
