Long Thanh International Airport Aerotropolis is set to become a modern, efficient and culturally significant gateway to Vietnam. Around it, compact mixed-use districts integrate with airport-related industries, business hubs and residential communities; forming the aerotropolis over time. These vibrant areas will bring together workplaces, cultural venues and public spaces, creating an ‘airport city’ that serves both existing and new residents and working populations. Ecological corridors form the foundation of the spatial strategy, ensuring that urban development respects and enhances the natural landscape and the integration of natural systems. The aerotropolis embodies a forward-thinking model for new airport cities—where economic growth and environmental responsibility create this new future.

The project represents a significant shift in urban planning for the greater Ho Chi Minh region, integrating airport infrastructure with economic development, sustainable mobility and environmental resilience. it is therefore both innovative and experimental within Vietnam. Situated within the country’s expanding economic corridor, the project leverages Long Thanh International Airport as a major driver for regional and global connectivity. It is projected to handle 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo annually, positioning it as a key air hub for the Asia-Pacific region. Around, the aerotropolis establishes a frame-work for growth that balances economic activity with environmental considerations, creating an urban system that is adaptable, efficient, and sustainable.

The project distinguishes itself through its integration of ecological systems within the urban framework. The concept of ecological corridors forms the foundation of the spatial strategy, ensuring that urban development respects and enhances the natural landscape. The green buffer zone surrounding the airport provides a transition between airside operations and urban areas, mitigating environmental impact while creating opportunities for recreational spaces and habitat restoration. A network of active ecological corridors connects green spaces, water bodies and urban districts, ensuring that natural systems remain intact and integrated. Urban green infrastructure, including parks, green roofs and permeable surfaces, all support environmental performance by improving air quality; reducing energy consumption and enhancing the urban experience.

Water management is also a critical component of the masterplan, particularly given Vietnam’s climate adaptation priorities. Blue infrastructure strategies include wetlands, retention basins and restored river corridors to regulate water flow, enhance biodiversity and mitigate flood risks. These embedded within public spaces, ensuring they contribute to both functional resilience and urban quality.

Because of these components, this project is a replicable model for future airport cities, demonstrating how urban and environmental strategies can be aligned to create a resilient and adaptive transit system. Through its integration of functional urban clusters, multimodal mobility and ecological networks, the aerotropolis establishes a framework for innovation, sustainability and economic prosperity. It therefore, reinforces Vietnam’s role as a key player in global connectivity while ensuring that development enhances, rather than com-promises, its natural and cultural landscapes.