The incredible new £10.5bn airport in beautiful country - 'as big as Heathrow or Dubai'

Beyond the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, a new international airport is being constructed. When it opens in 2026, Long Thanh Airport will redefine Vietnam's tourism.

Estimated to cost a significant £10.5 billion overall, Long Thanh will one of the world's largest airports. Long Thanh Airport is predicted to host 100 million fliers per year, making it a fair competition for Heathrow, Dubai and Atlanta, USA, airports.

A specific opening date has yet to be confirmed; however, there is hope that commercial operations will start halfway through next year. However, this will not mark its completion as a fourth runway and terminal will be under construction until 2035. On September 26, the airport saw its first runway calibration flight take place, featuring a small jet taking off from the city's main airport and arriving at Long Thanh.

The aircraft made several circles before flying at a low-altitude above the first runway. This mandatory airport test included simulated takeoffs and landings from multiple directions and altitudes to ensure all measurements were accurate and safe.

This international airport is expected to encourage tourism further than its current level if global visitors, 17.5 million, just last year. Located in the Dong Nai Province district in Vietnam, the airport covers a stretch of 50 square kilometres in the town of Long Thanh. Often disregarded by tourists, the town is just 40km east of the iconic Ho Chi Minh city.

The new build is approximately an hour's drive from the capital, just outside Vietnam's main airport, the Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Drivers will be pleased to know that the motorway connecting the two locations is due for an expansion, with the goal of making the route easier for travellers. An additional metro and fast train will also reduce travel time.

Once open, all international flights will be moved to the new location, bringing revenue to the overlooked town and expanding Ho Chi Minh's tourism beyond the city's borders.

The concourse is said to showcase a lotus-shaped roof made of 82 metres of glass, with a larger lotus covering the entire roof above, reports the Baochinh Phu. As the country's national flower, this design element represents both optimism and commitment, a fitting symbol for an airport for worldwide travellers.

Continuing its design, one terminal has been described as stretching out, mimicking the flower's stem, while the other two remain diagonal. What's more, the airport's centre can be found by its water fountain, waiting area, and designer stores surrounding the feature - all with a glass front.

• Brits do not require a visa for stays shorter than 46 days, whether for business or tourism.
• Passport expiry dates must be at least six months after the date of arrival,with at least two blank pages available.
• Brits should take care of the condition of their passports, with some travellers having been denied entry and exit due to damage.