On April 19, Tan Son Nhat International Airport officially began operating Vietnam Airlines flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai (Hanoi), and Van Don (Quang Ninh) from the newly inaugurated domestic passenger terminal T3.

On the same day, the terminal was expected to handle 49 flights (23 departures and 26 arrivals) with approximately 12,000 passengers. A free shuttle bus service is available at columns 17–20 (ground floor).

The T3 terminal comprises one basement and four above-ground levels, with a total floor area of 112,500 sq.m. Level 3 is designated for departures (private vehicles, rentals, taxis, coaches, and tourist buses); Level 2 for arrivals (private vehicles); and Level 1 for buses, coaches, tourist buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services.

T3 is equipped with advanced aviation technologies. Notably, the ACV self-service system allows passengers to check in at shared-use kiosks and complete self-service baggage drop-off before heading to the aircraft via E-gates.

The Smart Airport model integrates biometric technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into the entire flight check-in process, enabling time-saving and enhanced passenger experience at the airport.

Air travelers can use chip-based ID cards or the VNeID electronic identification app to complete a fully automated process from check-in and baggage drop-off at SBD, to security screening and boarding gate access.

The airport has also introduced a biometric-based end-to-end boarding process using VNeID for identity authentication.

Specifically, at check-in counters, kiosks, or via mobile app, passengers can check in online and perform biometric authentication through VNeID. After receiving their boarding pass, they proceed to verify their identity using a chip-based ID card, chip-based passport, or VNeID at traditional counters or kiosks.

At the security checkpoint, facial recognition gates verify passengers as they pass through. Security staff monitor real-time authentication via on-screen confirmation.

At the automatic boarding gate, passengers are cleared for boarding within seconds via biometric verification, eliminating the need to present a boarding pass.

The T3 terminal was inaugurated on the morning of April 19 in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen, and other central and local leaders. The terminal has a total investment of VND 11 trillion and a designed capacity of 20 million passengers per year.

Once operational, T3 will raise Tan Son Nhat Airport’s total capacity to 50 million passengers annually, easing congestion at the airport and surrounding traffic.

Panoramic view of VND11-trillion Tan Son Nhat Airport’s new terminal

VOV.VN - The new domestic passenger terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport which costs approximately VND11 trillion is ready for its first flights from April 19 after more than two years of construction.