Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City has turned crowded, with many flights delayed, even before the predicted peak of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) travel.

The airport was expected to reach its busiest period from January 21 to February 9. 

However, on Friday, several flights were delayed between noon and the afternoon, leading to long wait times and fatigue among passengers.

According to the airport’s operations center, about 119,000 passengers and 836 flights passed through the airport on Friday. 

Of these, 67,044 were departing passengers, while 52,418 were arriving.

At the domestic terminal alone, approximately 64,000 passengers were expected in the waiting halls, with peak congestion occurring between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.

Passengers wait in a crowded lobby at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, January 17, 2025. Photo: Gia Tien / Tuoi Tre

In Hall B of the domestic terminal, electronic boards continuously updated passengers on delayed flights. 

By nearly 5:00 pm, thousands of people were still waiting in Halls A and B. 

VietJet Air announced schedule changes, delaying several flights, and apologized for the extended wait times. 

The airline also directed passengers to food and beverage areas to ease the wait.

An electronic board displays updates on delayed departure times at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, January 17, 2025. Photo: Gia Tien / Tuoi Tre

Quan Nam, from Phu Nhuan District, shared that he purchased a ticket for a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi originally scheduled to depart at 1:25 pm on Friday. 

However, the flight was delayed multiple times — first to 1:40 pm, then 4:00 pm, and later to 5:30 pm. 

He remained uncertain whether the flight would be delayed further.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam predicted that from January 22 to 28, Tan Son Nhat Airport would handle between 820 and 900 flights per day, with a peak of 901 flights on January 23.

The lowest number of flights will be 823 on January 28. 

Passenger numbers are expected to peak at nearly 150,000, reflecting a 12.7-percent increase compared to the 2024 Tet holiday. 

Passengers wait in a crowded lobby at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, January 17, 2025. Photo: Gia Tien / Tuoi Tre

From January 29 to February 3, daily flights will range from 830 to 900, with the highest reaching 917 on February 2 and the lowest 832 on January 29. 

The peak passenger count will exceed 155,000.

The Southern Airports Authority advised passengers to check flight schedules online in advance, bring appropriate identification, arrive no sooner than two hours before departure, and check in online if possible.

Travelers should also be mindful of luggage regulations and avoid having multiple people to pick them up at the airport.

Passengers wait in a crowded lobby at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, January 17, 2025. Photo: Gia Tien / Tuoi Tre

Passengers wait in a crowded lobby at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, January 17, 2025. Photo: Gia Tien / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!