Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) Flights & Flight Status

Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN), known as Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport, is Vietnam’s largest and busiest. It is a convenient gateway just 8km from the city center.

Domestic flights operate from the original Terminal 1. Terminal 2, a newer terminal opened in 2007, is fully dedicated to international flights. The two terminals connect through a 500-meter (546-yard) covered walkway.

Airlines at Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Domestic airlines operating at Terminal 1 include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, and Bamboo Airways. Besides Vietnam Airlines' international service in Terminal 2, there are many other international carriers at the airport. These airlines include Air France, KLM, Lufthansa in Europe, and American, Delta, and United in the US.

International arrivals at Ho Chi Minh City Airport

The immigration process at Ho Chi Minh City Airport can be touch and go. Sometimes, the officers are understaffed, and it might take an hour to clear immigration.

Documents required to enter Vietnam

When planning your trip, I recommend reviewing the requirements carefully. You will likely need to apply for an e-visa before leaving for Vietnam. Some travelers qualify for visa on arrival, obtained before entering immigration at a dedicated desk at Ho Chi Minh Airport. US citizens are not eligible for visas on arrival and must apply for an e-visa.

Make sure you have printed copies of your e-visa and tickets in case of system failures. You will not be able to present documents stored on your electronic devices.

Upon clearing immigration, take the escalators down to level one to collect your luggage and proceed to customs. Before exiting the terminal's secure area, you’ll find ATMs, currency exchange kiosks, car services, and an information desk.

Connecting flights

At Ho Chi Minh Airport, you must go through the international arrival process before connecting to a domestic flight. It takes about ten minutes to walk from the connector to the domestic terminal. Once you have checked in with your airline and dropped off your luggage, you can clear security and proceed to your gate.

My advice is not to book close connections at the airport. Immigration, security, and check-in lines can be long and slow. Domestic flight times can change, sometimes departing earlier than expected. Check your flight status before heading to the domestic terminal.

To avoid stress and missed connections on late arrivals, I recommend booking a domestic flight the next day and stay the night at a hotel.

International transfers

You should go to the transfer desk rather than immigration if you are connecting to another international flight. Stay in the secure terminal area. You should have a printed copy of any digital e-ticket to present to officials at the transfer desk.

Transportation to and from the airport

You can rent a car, catch a bus, or take a taxi at the airport, but expect long lines and heavy traffic. I wouldn't recommend taking the bus unless you're traveling light because there isn't much room for luggage. Your hotel can also arrange transport.

Grab, Be, and Go Viet also offer ride services via apps, but you'll need a Vietnamese SIM card. You can buy these from shops in the arrivals hall.

Departures at Ho Chi Minh City Airport

International and domestic check-in counters can be crowded. Pack carefully, as both hand luggage and checked luggage might be weighed. Excess hand luggage costs extra on some airlines.

Checking in at Ho Chi Minh City Airport Terminal 1 for a domestic flight

Check-in desks for most airlines are located between entrances D1 and D2 on the ground level of Terminal 1. The departure lounge for Vietjet is between D3 and D6. After crossing the walkway from the international terminal, this is the first departure lounge you encounter.

Getting through security at Ho Chi Minh City Airport Terminal 1

In peak hours, the number of passengers could extend your security screening process, though business class passengers go through a separate faster screening. After clearing security, you'll take escalators to the first level to the gates.

The Vietjet departure lounge and gates are on the ground level and have their own screening area.

The terminal has several shops, food outlets and lounges.

Checking in at Ho Chi Minh City Airport Terminal 2 for an international flight

The international check-in area is on the second level of Terminal 2. While the general guidance is to check in around three hours before your flight, I recommend heading to the airport with time to spare. If you need to wait for check-in to open, there are cafes, restaurants, and a shop on the land side of the terminal.

Before heading to your gate, you must go through a country exit process, customs check, and security screening. There are priority security screening queues for business class passengers. Some flights have gates on the ground level, accessible through escalators.

Aircraft parking and bus transfers to/from gates at Ho Chi Minh Airport

While there are gates with jetways connecting directly from the aircraft to the terminal, many flights operating at Ho Chi Minh Airport park remotely on the apron with bus transfers between the gates and the aircraft. This can add some time and inconvenience to the journey. I recommend not carrying heavy hand luggage and avoiding tight connections.

Ho Chi Minh Airport lounges

There are lounges in both the domestic and international terminals that offer a comfortable escape from the crowds.

Domestic Terminal 1 lounges

There are four lounges in the Ho Chi Minh domestic terminal. The Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is near the escalators to your left, by gates 1 and 2. It is a small but cozy and well-appointed lounge with a buffet selection of food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks.

You’ll find Le Saigonnais Business Lounge at the opposite end of the terminal, near Gate 11. This Priority Pass lounge is used by several airlines and is much larger than the Lotus Lounge. While the decor is a bit outdated, it is comfortable. Drinks and beverages are available, and food is served from an a la carte menu.

There are also two pay-for-access lounges in the domestic terminal. The Saigon Vista Lounge is near gate 14, and the Prime Lounge is near gate 11. The ambiance and decor are closer to a club than an airport lounge. Both offer buffet and beverages. The Prime Lounge has a bar and shower facilities.

International Terminal 2 lounges

The Ho Chi Minh International Airport has several airline lounges and pay-for-access lounges. Most are operated by a lounge services provider that contracts with different airlines. These lounges make the most of the airport's floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offering plenty of natural light in the daytime and superb runway views. They are open 24 hours a day.

The Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is on the third level to the right. I find it to be a lovely lounge with plenty of cozy spots for relaxing and working. The lounge has a generous buffet and serves assorted beverages and drinks. There are also shower facilities available.

On the third level to the left, Le Saigonnais Business Lounge serves other carriers. This is no longer a Priority Pass lounge. It is very comfortable, with various seating zones for meals, watching television, and relaxing. I like that there is a long bar-style table with seats and power outlets near the glass wall to catch up on work while keeping an eye on the planes. The buffet offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes, international fare, and snacks. While ample beverages are available, alcohol is limited to wine and beer. This lounge also has showers.

You’ll find the Rose Lounge on the second level to the left. It is a large lounge, taking up the corner between gates 9 and 15. There are different seating options, from armchairs to dining tables and booths. Several nice work cubicles with a full desk and computer terminals are also located by the glass wall. There is a silent zone with cushy lounge chaises where you can nap. A buffet offers plenty to eat, and beverage options include liquor. There are no showers, but there is a shoeshine service.

The Apricot Lounge is a pay-for-access lounge on the first level. The lift to the lounge is on the second level inside the beauty duty-free shop between gates 17 and 18. Access is subject to availability. It’s smaller than the Rose Lounge but comfortable and offers the amenities you’d expect, including a buffet, beverages, and a shower.

There is also a pay-for-access Jasmine Halal Lounge on the second level near the escalators leading to gates 10-14. It offers Halal-certified food and beverages as well as prayer rooms.

Other facilities at Ho Chi Minh Airport

Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport and in the lounges. ATMs and money exchange facilities are available, but most restaurants and shops accept US dollars. Vietnam is still largely a cash-based society. I recommend having some currency with you to cover your daily expenses.