The peak travel season is scheduled from January 19 to February 7 (the 20th day of the 12th lunar month to the 10th day of the 1st lunar month). However, as of January 16, the airport has been teeming with travelers preparing for their Tet journeys.

Rising passenger numbers

According to statistics, more than 115,000 passengers passed through Tan Son Nhat Airport today, facilitated by 773 flights. Arrivals accounted for over 60,000 passengers, while departures reached nearly 55,000.

During peak hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the domestic terminal was crowded with travelers flying to cities such as Da Nang, Vinh, Hanoi, and Hai Phong. Many passengers were returning home for extended Tet holidays, with checked luggage requiring them to queue for longer periods to complete procedures.

Most of today’s domestic travelers were freelance workers or university students who have begun their holidays early.

Challenges and support

Ms. Hoang Thao, a passenger returning to her hometown in Me Linh, Hanoi, shared her experience.

“I have been waiting in line for over 15 minutes to check in for my flight to Noi Bai Airport. Airfare prices are expensive and difficult to secure close to Tet, so I decided to leave early to spend more time with my family,” she said.

At Vietnam Airlines counters, although the volume of passengers was high, staff managed the flow efficiently, minimizing wait times. Additional personnel were on hand to assist passengers and address inquiries.

The past few days have also seen a steady influx of overseas Vietnamese and international students returning home for Tet. The international arrivals hall was abuzz with activity, but order and security were well-maintained, ensuring smooth transitions for passengers leaving the terminal.

Today alone, international traffic at Tan Son Nhat reached 51,000 passengers, with more than 26,000 arrivals. Authorities expect the number of international passengers to continue climbing in the days ahead.

The excitement was palpable among families awaiting loved ones in the arrivals area.

Mr. Hung and his family of six were at the first-floor waiting area to greet relatives returning from the UK. "We are overjoyed and a little nervous as we wait to reunite after over two years apart," he said, smiling as his family waved excitedly.

Projections for peak days

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam estimates that from January 23–29, the number of daily flights at Tan Son Nhat will range from 820 to 900.

The busiest day is expected to be January 24, with 901 flights, while the quietest day will be January 29, with 823 flights.

On the peak travel days, January 26 and 27, passenger volumes are forecast to reach approximately 150,000 - an increase of 12.7% compared to the busiest days before Tet in 2024.

Photos taken by VietNamNet reporters at Tan Son Nhat Airport on January 16:

Tuan Kiet