[Photos] How Saigonese Flew In 1965

These photos taken by American photographer, Bill Eppridge, in 1965 capture a day in the life at Tan Son Nhat Airport’s civilian terminal. The original airport, little more than a landing strip, was built by the French in the 1930’s near the village of Tan Son Nhat which was, at the time, far outside of the city limits.

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Shortly after World War II, the airport was militarized by returning French forces and, in 1956, the headquarters of the French 'Vietnamese Armée de l'Air (VALA)’ was moved to Tan Son Nhat (called Tan Son Nhut until 1975). The airport was continually upgraded and expanded as the US took on a larger military role in Vietnam. By 1968, Ton Son Nhat was one of the busiest airports in the world.

After the American War, the airport was converted back to civilian use and, over the years, has received major restorations (in 2000 and 2007). Today, the airport handles the majority of the country’s air travelers, welcoming 25 million passengers annually (Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport checks in second with 19 million passengers).

Airport bus.

1965 Tan Son Nhat's lobby.

Checking in for a flight to Hue.

Passengers enter the waiting room.

Passengers are led to the plane.

Flight attendant in uniform.

Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, boarding a plane.

Air Vietnam's flight attendants wore blue áo dài uniforms.

Passengers walk to their aircraft.

Passengers walk to their aircraft.