Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is an international airport on Trường Sơn street in the Tân Bình District of Ho Chi Minh City. It is the busiest airport in Vietnam by passenger volume. The airport’s IATA code, SGN, originates from the city’s former name, Saigon. The facility functions as a hub for Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and other domestic carriers.

The airport has two primary passenger terminals. Terminal 1 (T1) handles all domestic flights within Vietnam. Terminal 2 (T2) serves all international arrivals and departures. The two terminals are separate buildings connected by a covered walkway. A third domestic terminal, T3, began some operations in 2025 to increase capacity. The airport features two parallel runways and multiple cargo terminal facilities. Security protocols for all passengers include standard X-ray screening for all checked and carry-on baggage.

The airport’s origins date to the 1930s. The French colonial government built a small, unpaved airfield called Tân Sơn Nhứt Airfield. The United States provided aid to upgrade the facility in the mid-1950s. It became a major military airbase during the Vietnam War. During the late 1960s, it was one of the world’s busiest airports. After 1975, the airport transitioned back to primarily civilian use.

Tan Son Nhat sits approximately six kilometers north of District 1. It is the sole commercial airport serving Ho Chi Minh City. The domestic route between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is among the busiest in Southeast Asia. The airport operates 24 hours a day. Ground transportation options include city buses, ride-hailing services, and taxis, which are available outside the arrivals halls.