The Long Thanh International Airport: Taking Flight on December 19th

The Long Thanh International Airport, a highly anticipated infrastructure project expected to transform Vietnam’s aviation industry, is in its final stages of completion as it prepares for its inaugural flight on December 19 this year. This milestone coincides with the planned simultaneous inauguration of several other major transportation infrastructure projects across the country.

Finalizing Airport Connectivity Infrastructure:

The two main transportation routes connecting to the Long Thanh Airport, Route 1 (T1) and Route 2 (T2), are nearing completion. Route T1 opened to traffic in late April, while T2 has undergone technical testing and is set for official completion in August 2025.

Additionally, two existing roads traversing Nhon Trach district, Ton Duc Thang (25B) and Nguyen Ai Quoc (25C), are being expeditiously upgraded and expanded to match the airport’s infrastructure standards. Road 25B has received its final asphalt layer and is now equipped with a lighting system and traffic signals. Route 25C is expected to be delivered four months ahead of schedule, in August 2025.

Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV) has requested Dong Nai province to expedite the completion of the T1 route’s auxiliary road to ensure traffic safety and enhance the urban aesthetic at the airport’s gateway.

Rushing to Complete the Terminal and Runway:

During the first half of the year, the contractor consortiums mobilized approximately 13,000 engineers and workers, along with over 3,000 pieces of equipment, to maintain construction progress. Despite the rainy season in Long Thanh, which significantly impacts construction, the contractors have proactively installed six high-capacity pumps to manage water discharge and prevent interruptions to the schedule.

The roofing for the three wings of the main terminal has been completed, featuring over 12,000 square meters of installed glass walls. The entire glass installation is expected to finish in August. The first floor of the terminal’s central area has received water-resistant treatment, and the remaining areas are being constructed expeditiously, aiming for completion in September 2025.

The passenger boarding bridge system has finished 12 out of 32 main pillars, with the remaining bridges being assembled on-site. The goal is to install 36 out of 64 bridges before December 31. Approximately 50% of the baggage conveyor system’s support structure is complete, while the installation progress stands at roughly 30%.

Preparing for the First Commercial Flight:

According to ACV, the inaugural flight from Hanoi to Long Thanh will take place on December 19. The aircraft will taxi into the completed terminal through the passenger boarding bridges, completing technical procedures and embarking passengers, thus marking the commencement of Long Thanh Airport’s trial operations.

This event signifies a significant milestone not only for the Long Thanh Airport project but also for the broader plan to commission multiple large-scale infrastructure projects by the end of 2025. These projects aim to establish a modern, integrated, and nationwide transportation network.

Securing Resources for the Final Phase:

To support the final construction phase, ACV has proposed that Dong Nai province promptly supply approximately 500,000 cubic meters of fill material to ensure the timely construction of the runway. Additionally, they have requested expediting the repair of the Dong Nai Bridge and the Tan Van Interchange, which are critical for the transportation of goods, equipment, and personnel for the airport project.

With a scale of nearly 5,000 hectares and a total investment of billions of USD in its first phase, the Long Thanh Airport is envisioned to become a leading international air transit hub in Southeast Asia. Upon completion, the airport will be capable of serving up to 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo annually.