The Aviation Authority Addresses “Emerging Defects” Concerning Tan Son Nhat Terminal 3

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has requested the Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and the Southern Airport Authority to expedite the completion of the T3 passenger terminal to ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience for passengers.

The Civil Aviation Authority received reports from media outlets regarding certain defects in the T3 terminal building, which have impacted the quality of aviation services provided at the terminal. To ensure a high level of service for passengers, the Authority has instructed ACV and Tan Son Nhat International Airport to thoroughly review all issues that have arisen during the operation and use of the T3 terminal building.

They are also urged to promptly implement solutions to ensure the quality of terminal operations and ground handling services, prioritizing safety and convenience for passengers. Additionally, the units should coordinate with airlines to provide timely information and notify passengers about the transition to the T3 terminal, ensuring that they are well-informed about the terminals serving their respective flights.

The Southern Airport Authority has been tasked with strengthening the supervision of service quality in terminal operations and ground handling services at the T3 terminal. They are also responsible for promptly reporting any difficulties or obstacles to the Authority for timely handling.

The T3 terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport, with an investment of VND 11,000 billion, commenced construction in August 2022 and was inaugurated on April 19, 2025, two months ahead of schedule. The terminal helps alleviate congestion at T1, increasing the airport’s total capacity to 50 million passengers per year.

On the afternoon of May 7, the third-floor glass roof of the T3 terminal leaked due to gaps in the glass adhesive. The rapid construction schedule resulted in some components not being fully tested. The State Inspection Authority has requested ACV to thoroughly rectify the issue.

Recently, social media circulated images of the terminal’s unfinished stone floor, despite being operational. According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Toan, Director of the Contractor Consortium for Package No. 12 for the construction of the T3 passenger terminal, due to the tight construction schedule, some items such as the stone floor are still being completed. About 50% of the area has been finished, and the remaining work is being done during the three-hour nightly closure to avoid disrupting flight operations.

The final three steps include: injecting silicone glue into the expansion joints and stone joints (expected to be completed within the next 10 days), final grinding of the surface, and polishing. ACV has directed the contractor to complete the entire stone floor of the T3 passenger terminal by the end of June 2025.