On February 16 (ie, the 29th of Tet), the total number of flights at Tan Son Nhat airport reached 863 flights. Of which, there were 421 take-offs and 442 landings. The total number of passengers served reached 119,693, a decrease of about 30,000 - 40,000 passengers compared to the peak days of the 27th and 28th of Tet (a time when more than 1,000 flights/day were recorded).
Although the output has cooled down by about 15-20%, at the domestic terminal, the atmosphere is still very bustling. The direction from Ho Chi Minh City still accounts for a large proportion with nearly 72,000 passengers, including 46,645 domestic passengers and 25,081 international passengers.
Recorded at the waiting hall, the scene was filled with Tet atmosphere with luggage full of gifts. Although having to wait, the faces of each passenger were sparkling with joy when they were about to reunite with their families after a year of separation.
Mr. Tran Ngoc Dong (from Nghe An) while struggling to carry a gift bag shared: "This year the company has a lot of work, I tried to work until yesterday to take a break to have more money to buy gifts for my children. Booking a ticket on the 29th is already very lucky. I just hope the plane is on time to be able to return home in time for the year-end meal with my parents.
Statistics from the operating unit show that the coordination pressure on the 29th of Tet is still focused on the domestic area. Specifically, Terminal T3 plays the role of "backbone" with a total of 355 departure and arrival flights. At Terminal T1, the operating pace is also maintained at a high level with 202 domestic flights. Meanwhile, Terminal T2 is responsible for serving 303 international flights, ensuring smooth customs clearance procedures for overseas Vietnamese returning home.
Although there is no longer the suffocating scene like the previous two days, at peak hours, people are still queuing in long lines at the security screening area. To ensure that no local congestion occurs, security forces and ground personnel have been mobilized at 100% of their strength, working continuously to support passengers, especially the elderly and young children.
The gradual decrease in traffic volume on the 29th of Tet is understandable when most workers left Ho Chi Minh City early. However, with nearly 120,000 passengers, Tan Son Nhat airport is still experiencing the busiest hours, closing a safe Tet transportation peak season before entering the new year.
