According to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), at 5:55 a.m. on April 17, domestic passenger terminal T3 handled its inaugural test flight VN1286, operated by Vietnam Airlines.

The flight, departing from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don, carried 105 passengers on board.

“This event marks a significant milestone in putting Vietnam’s most modern passenger terminal into operation. It not only increases Tan Son Nhat Airport’s passenger-handling capacity but also contributes to the development of the city’s and the nation’s aviation infrastructure,” ACV stated.

The terminal is set to be officially inaugurated on April 19. Starting from the end of April, all domestic flights operated by Vietnam Airlines will be moved to Terminal T3, with the exception of routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao, Rach Gia, and Ca Mau, which will continue to operate from Terminal T1.

After the April 30 holiday, Terminal T3 will also handle all domestic flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet, which together account for nearly 80% of the airport’s domestic traffic.

During the initial phase of operation, ACV will implement a range of passenger support measures, such as increasing the number of on-site staff, installing clear signage, and offering real-time updates via digital platforms.

Special assistance will be provided for groups with specific needs, including elderly passengers, pregnant women, and young children.

ACV has also issued detailed transportation guidelines to help passengers access Terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

For passengers traveling from Terminals T1 and T2, suggested routes include Trường Son Street → Phan Thuc Duyen Street → Tran Quoc Hoan connector road → Terminal T3; or Trường Son → Hau Giang → Thang Long → Tran Quoc Hoan - Cong Hoa connector → Terminal T3.

Passengers coming from central Ho Chi Minh City are advised to take Nam Ky Khoi Nghia → Nguyen Van Troi → Hoang Van Thu Park → stay left to enter Hoang Van Thu underpass → Tran Quoc Hoan connector → Terminal T3.

From eastern Ho Chi Minh City, the recommended route is Pham Van Dong → Truong Son → Tran Quoc Hoan connector → Terminal T3.

From western and southern parts of the city, including An Suong and Tan Ky Tan Quy, travelers can take Cong Hoa → Tran Quoc Hoan connector → Terminal T3.

For those on Truong Chinh Street, the route is via Cong Hoa → expanded Hoang Hoa Tham → Tran Quoc Hoan connector → Terminal T3, or via Cong Hoa → turn onto 18E Street → Tran Quoc Hoan - Cong Hoa connector → Terminal T3.