Iconic Lac Bird flight marks launch of Tan Son Nhat’s Terminal T3
VOV.VN - Flight VN244, operated by Vietnam Airlines with Boeing 787-9 featuring the symbolic Lac Bird design, took off from Tan Son Nhat’s Terminal T3 on April 19, marking its official inauguration.

Terminal T3, the most modern passenger terminal in Vietnam, signals the start of its operational journey.
Before departure, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with leaders from various ministries and agencies, visited Gate 12 to directly inspect the boarding process using biometric technology integrated into the VNeID application.
Earlier that morning, at 8:00 AM, flight VN243 from Hanoi, also operated by Vietnam Airlines with the same Lac Bird-themed Boeing 787, landed in Ho Chi Minh City, becoming the first commercial flight to use Terminal T3. The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, a special aviation gesture for flights marking significant milestones.

The opening of Terminal T3 coincides with preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and Reunification of Vietnam (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), adding to the symbolic significance of the Lac Bird, which represents the nation's aspiration to soar high, reach far, and embody the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people.
At the inauguration event, Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines' Board of Directors, shared that “The official operation of Terminal T3 is a major step in the modernization of Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure. Vietnam Airlines is honored to accompany this milestone with a special Lac Bird-themed flight, symbolizing the nation’s high-flying aspirations, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of national reunification. This demonstrates our commitment to enhancing service quality, pioneering innovation, and spreading Vietnamese identity globally.”

Additionally, Vietnam Airlines launched the new Lotus Lounge at Terminal T3. Located on the fourth floor with an area of 330 square meters, the lounge offers a luxurious and comfortable space for Business Class passengers, high-tier Lotus Lotus members, VIP guests, and other priority passengers.

From midnight on April 19, all Vietnam Airlines flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City began operating from Terminal T3. It is expected that by April 28, the entire domestic network of the airline will transition to the new terminal, except for flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao, Rach Gia, and Ca Mau, which will continue to operate from Terminal T1.

The operation of Terminal T3, the largest and most modern passenger terminal in the country, along with the significant operational improvements of Vietnam Airlines, reaffirms the pioneering role of the national flag carrier.
On its journey of "soaring with the nation," Vietnam Airlines continues to spread Vietnamese identity, connecting Vietnam with the world through premium and meaningful flying experiences.