Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports Ready for the 2026 Lunar New Year Peak
In preparation for the 2026 Lunar New Year, Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports have activated comprehensive peak-service plans to manage a sharp surge in passenger traffic.
Record Passenger Volumes Forecast
At Noi Bai International Airport, traffic during the seven days before Tet (10–16 February 2026) is expected to exceed 725,000 passengers and 4,467 flights. Post-holiday figures are projected to reach 737,000 passengers and 4,530 flights, with peak days surpassing 117,000 passengers.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is forecast to handle around 145,000 passengers per day, with 61 airlines operating an average of 940 flights daily and peak days reaching up to 1,025 movements.
These figures reflect strong and sustained growth in both domestic and international travel demand during the festive period.
Expanded Capacity Through Infrastructure and Technology
At Noi Bai, the expanded Terminal T2, commissioned in late 2025, can now serve over 50,000 international passengers per day, easing pressure on international operations. Terminal T1 has optimized all check-in counters and prepared contingency areas to mitigate congestion.
At Tan Son Nhat, Terminal T3, operational since April 2025, enhances capacity through flexible and digitally optimized processes. The implementation of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) continues to improve operational efficiency. At Tan Son Nhat, taxi time reductions of 1.2–1.5 minutes per flight generate significant fuel savings across more than 255,000 annual aircraft movements.
Both airports have deployed advanced technologies, including self-check-in kiosks, self-bag drop, automated security gates, upgraded CUTE/CUPPS systems, enhanced FIDS, AI-powered announcements, and electronic toll collection systems to improve passenger flow and airside efficiency.
Operational Readiness and Coordinated Management
Full staffing of Airport Operations Control Centers (AOCCs) is maintained throughout the peak period. Close coordination with Border Police, aviation authorities, air traffic control, and meteorological agencies ensures efficient security screening and proactive response to operational challenges.
Security, traffic control, and passenger support measures have been strengthened across terminals and access roads. At Tan Son Nhat, youth volunteer teams support passengers in public areas, security checkpoints, and immigration zones, with similar initiatives implemented at Noi Bai.
Service Quality and Passenger Experience
Airlines and service providers are required to maintain service standards, ensure transparent pricing, and increase ground transport capacity. Airlines are also requested to station representatives at check-in counters and boarding gates to promptly manage delays or cancellations.
Passengers are encouraged to use online check-in, airline mobile applications, self-service kiosks, and biometric identification platforms such as VNeID for domestic flights. Travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours before international departures and two hours before domestic flights.
Ensuring a Smooth Start to the New Year
With upgraded infrastructure, digital innovation, and strengthened inter-agency coordination, Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat are fully prepared to safely and efficiently handle the 2026 Lunar New Year peak, ensuring a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers.