The Ministry of Construction, alongside relevant agencies, continues to focus on ensuring the calibration flight and the execution of the first technical flight at Long Thanh International Airport on December 19, 2025, as scheduled.
The Ministry of Construction has recently submitted a report to the Government regarding the progress of the Long Thanh International Airport Construction Investment Project (Phase 1) as of October 10, 2025.
According to the report, Component Project 1—State Management Agency Facilities—is expected to be substantially completed by December 2025.
Accelerating Progress
Component Project 2—Air Traffic Management Facilities—is facing delays in the construction of the Air Traffic Control Tower, auxiliary items, and air traffic management works compared to the contractual schedule (September 30, 2025), particularly in fire prevention and firefighting systems.
Additionally, the installation of communication cables has been delayed due to heavy rainfall, affecting the handover of the cable routes. ACV must expedite the technical cable route construction to hand it over to VATM promptly. VATM should require contractors to increase manpower, equipment, and implement suitable construction measures, including overtime and additional shifts, to recover lost time. They should also explore alternative air traffic management solutions to mitigate delays.
Component Project 3—Essential Facilities, led by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV)—has completed land clearance, except for 50 meters of the 5,000-hectare fence, which remains pending handover.
Package 4.6—Runway, Taxiways, and Apron (Cargo Terminal Area, Express Delivery): This package is on track for full completion by December 2025, ensuring readiness for calibration and technical flights.
Package 4.7—Passenger Terminal Apron is scheduled for completion before December 19, 2025, including groundwork, apron construction, ground equipment tunnels, drainage systems, apron and taxiway lighting, and apron illumination.
Package 4.8—Internal Port Transportation and Technical Infrastructure, originally slated for completion by September 2026, has been rescheduled for December 19, 2025. However, this package risks missing the adjusted deadline.
Several key cable routes, planned for completion by August 30, 2025, to facilitate the installation of water supply, drainage, electricity, and ICT systems, are behind schedule. Only about 4,500 meters have been handed over, delaying other packages and component projects. The overhead bridge connecting to the terminal also faces potential delays due to its extensive construction requirements, including concrete structures like caps, beams, and scaffolding.
Package 4.9—Fuel Supply System is set for substantial completion by December 19, 2025.
Package 4.11—Wastewater Treatment Facility is expected to be operational by June 2026.
Package 4.12—Second Runway has reached approximately 8% completion by value and is generally on schedule. It is expected to be fully operational alongside the passenger terminal by June 2026.
Package 5.10—Passenger Terminal, initially scheduled for completion by November 31, 2026, has been advanced to December 19, 2025, as per higher authority directives. However, the extensive finishing work, primarily reliant on manual labor, poses a risk of delay. ACV must instruct contractors to mobilize additional labor, equipment, and machinery to meet the December 2025 deadline.
Package 5.11—Airport Management System Equipment is in the early stages of deployment, with no significant progress yet. Completion is anticipated by Q1 2026.
Package 6.12—Transportation Connection System for Routes 1 and 2 is nearly complete, with auxiliary and traffic safety works underway. Final acceptance is expected in November 2025, with approximately 96% of the work completed as of the previous report on September 10, 2025.
Package 7.8—Cargo Terminal 1 and Auxiliary Facilities is projected for completion by June 2026.
Package 11.5—Parking Facility, originally scheduled for June 2026, has reached about 18.4% completion by value, aligning with the plan.
Component Project 4—Other Facilities includes: In-Flight Catering Facility 13, expected to complete structural work by December 19, 2025, and technological equipment installation by May 31, 2026. In-Flight Catering Facility 24 is set to finish construction by December 19, 2025, electrical work by January 27, 2026, and technological equipment by March 28, 2026.
Other ongoing projects include: Ground Commercial Technical Facility 26, Hangars 17, 2, 3, and 4, Cargo Warehouses 1–4, Cargo Terminals 2 and Express Delivery, Warehouses 5–8, and the Aircraft Fuel Pipeline, all actively progressing.
Long Thanh Airport Air Traffic Control Tower
Second Calibration Flight Scheduled for October 25
Regarding operational plans, the Ministry of Construction reports that stakeholders are diligently working to ensure the calibration flight and technical flight on December 19, 2025.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has issued satellite-based navigation procedures and ILS/DME approach methods. Calibration of the approach lighting system, PAPI, and ILS/DME for Runway 05L/23R has been completed.
The Authority has issued an aeronautical circular announcing the airport’s readiness for technical and commercial flights. The Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) is set for release on October 16, 2025, to support the technical flight on December 19, 2025.
On October 25, 2025, the Authority will conduct calibration flights for VOR/DME, radar, ADS-B, and traditional VOR/DME navigation methods to update flight procedures.
Boosting Workforce for Delayed Component Projects
To ensure substantial project completion by 2025, the Ministry of Construction will collaborate with relevant ministries, Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, and component project investors to monitor and update construction progress. Timely reports will be submitted to the Prime Minister as required.
VATM will be directed to ensure contractors meet DATP2 deadlines. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and VATM will coordinate with ACV and Vietnam Airlines to prepare for calibration and technical flights on December 19, 2025.
The Ministry requests Dong Nai Province to address stone supply delays from quarries to construction sites.
ACV is tasked with monitoring construction progress, adjusting schedules weekly, resolving bottlenecks, and instructing contractors to deploy additional labor and equipment, especially for at-risk packages. ACV will also collaborate with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, VATM, and other stakeholders to develop plans for the technical flight, ensuring adherence to the reported timeline.
Proposed Renaming of the North-South High-Speed Railway
The Ministry of Construction has proposed renaming the North-South high-speed railway to the “high-speed railway on the North-South axis,” spanning approximately 1,541 km (a 4 km reduction from the original plan). Notably, the Vinh – Nha Trang segment will be prioritized for investment, advancing its timeline to before 2030, instead of after as initially scheduled.
Seamless Installation of Long Thanh Airport Navigation System Completed
The DVOR/DME navigation system is the cornerstone of air traffic control, ensuring seamless aircraft guidance during takeoff, landing, and en-route phases, regardless of weather conditions.
Dong Nai Chairman Issues Ultimatum on Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway Project
The completion of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway marks a significant milestone, showcasing meticulous planning and strategic leadership in infrastructure development. This achievement underscores the successful deployment and coordination of key personnel, ensuring the project’s technical and operational readiness.
Latest Proposal on International Flight Operations at Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh Airports
Facing mounting pressure from aircraft shortages and disrupted supply chains, Vietnam Airlines proposes a phased transition of international routes from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh Airport, rather than an immediate wholesale shift. This approach is seen as a balanced strategy, harmonizing infrastructure planning with the realities of market operations.
Khải Hoàn Prime: Real Progress, Real Quality
On the cusp of signing the official sales and purchase agreement (HĐMB), Khải Hoàn Prime has garnered significant customer trust by consistently demonstrating robust construction progress, ensuring safety, and upholding long-term sustainability.
