The wide-body aircraft, the largest currently in service in Vietnam, departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 15:20 (local time) and landed at Long Thanh after 40 minutes, said airport authorities.

The flight was conducted with a payload equivalent to a commercial operation and served as the final operational assessment ahead of the airport’s first scheduled commercial flight, planned for December19. A return flight later departed successfully from Long Thanh the same day.

Airport officials said the operation played a critical role in evaluating infrastructure readiness, operational procedures and coordination among on-site units at the new airport.

During the test flight, Vietnam Airlines and Long Thanh International Airport jointly assessed the runway and apron systems, navigation aids, passenger terminal, ground handling processes, technical operations and overall flight management.

Vietnam Airlines said the successful landing confirmed the airport’s readiness to support commercial services. The carrier added it had prepared personnel, equipment and ground services, including passenger and baggage handling, aircraft maintenance checks, catering and refuelling, in compliance with aviation safety standards.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dang Anh Tuan said the successful operation marked an important step in preparing Long Thanh for official operations.

“Vietnam Airlines is committed to working closely with authorities and partners to ensure safe and efficient operations and deliver high-quality services at the new airport,” he said.

On December 19, in addition to the inaugural flight operated by Vietnam Airlines, two other flights operated by Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways are also scheduled to land at Long Thanh International Airport, arriving about five minutes apart, according to authorities.

Under the scenario outlined by the Ministry of Construction, the official flights will only be carried out if the technical test flight conducted on December 15 meets all required technical and operational safety parameters.

Long Thanh International Airport, a key national infrastructure project, is expected to become a major aviation gateway and regional transit hub as Vietnam’s air travel demand continues to grow.

Phase one of Long Thanh International Airport, covering an area of 1,810 hectares, broke ground in January 2021 and has a designed capacity of 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo per year. The airport is expected to begin commercial operations in mid-2026.

Vietnam Airlines to conduct technical test flight at Long Thanh airport

VOV.VN - Vietnam Airlines will carry out a technical test flight at Long Thanh International Airport on December 15 to assess the airport’s operational readiness ahead of its first commercial flight slated for December 19.