In the early hours of January 21, the international terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City was packed with families eagerly waiting to welcome their loved ones returning home for the Lunar New Year.

The emotional reunions were a testament to the significance of Tet for overseas Vietnamese.

A bustling reunion scene

On the night of January 20 (the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month), thousands gathered at Tan Son Nhat Airport’s international terminal. Crowds filled every available space, waiting patiently from late evening until the early morning hours.

By 11 p.m., many stood holding bouquets, their eyes fixed on the exit doors or flight information screens, longing for a glimpse of their loved ones.

Nguyen Vu Loc and his six siblings were among those waiting. They came to greet their younger brother, who lives in Texas and was returning to celebrate Tet after several years.

“This time, he’ll stay for three months, and the whole family will spend time together wherever he wants to go,” Loc shared enthusiastically.

Midnight arrivals from across the globe

As the clock approached 1 a.m. on January 22, flights from the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and Japan began landing in succession. Excited relatives waved as overseas Vietnamese emerged from customs, greeted by tight hugs and beaming smiles.

Airport security frequently reminded the crowd to avoid blocking passenger walkways amid the excitement.

One couple from Long Xuyen, An Giang, had been waiting since 6 p.m. After nearly six hours, they embraced their daughter, Vo Thai Thien An, who returned from Tasmania, Australia.

“I’m so happy to reunite with my family and friends after two years of studying abroad. I booked my ticket six months ago,” Thien An shared, tears of joy in her eyes. She plans to spend three weeks reconnecting with family and traveling with friends.

A surge in passenger traffic

Tan Son Nhat International Airport has seen an uptick in activity, with over 800 daily flights, peaking at 970 flights on the busiest days. This marks a 6.25% increase in flights and a 5.36% rise in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year.

During the peak Tet travel period (January 14–February 12, 2025), the airport is expected to handle approximately 26,000 flights and 4 million passengers. Among them, 1.5 million are international travelers, while 2.5 million are domestic passengers.

The scenes of joy and reunions at Tan Son Nhat highlight Tet’s deep cultural importance as a time for family and togetherness.

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At 11 p.m., many people stood holding flowers all night, eagerly awaiting the moment of reunion.
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At 11 p.m., many people stood holding flowers all night, eagerly awaiting the moment of reunion.
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All eyes were fixed on the exit or the flight information board, waiting for their loved ones to appear among the arriving passengers.
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Six siblings of Mr. Nguyen Vu Loc gathered at Tan Son Nhat Airport to welcome their younger brother, who lives in Texas, USA, as he landed.
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Many people made use of every available spot in the waiting area to both wait for their loved ones and take the opportunity to rest.
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By 1 a.m. on the 22nd day of the Lunar December, flights from the USA, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and other countries continuously landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport. A large number of overseas Vietnamese emerged from the terminal to the excitement of their waiting relatives.
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Arriving at the airport at 6 p.m., after nearly six hours of waiting, a couple from Long Xuyen (An Giang) embraced their daughter, Vo Thai Thien An, tightly.
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An emotional and overwhelming moment unfolded in loving embraces as many people, who rarely have the chance to return to Vietnam for Tet, reunited with their families.
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Six-year-old Huynh Thuy (in a white shirt) was delighted to receive a gift from her older sister, who had just returned from Taiwan.
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According to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the daily flight volume exceeds 800 flights, with peak days reaching over 970 flights. Compared to the same period last year, this represents a 6.25% increase in flights and a 5.36% rise in total passengers.

Nguyen Hue