Enterprise

Three Architectural Giants Compete for Gia Binh Airport Passenger Terminal Design: Masterminds Behind the World’s Tallest Buildings and Iconic Vietnamese Projects

Gia Bình International Airport is poised to become a major aviation hub, with projected capacity to handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo annually by 2030. This ambitious plan further expands to accommodate 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tons of cargo per year by 2050.

Administrator

18 November, 2025

On November 8th, the presentation round of the Design Competition for the Gia Binh International Airport Passenger Terminal officially took place, featuring three of the world’s leading architectural firms: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) – USA, Nikken Sekkei Ltd. – Japan, and Gensler – USA.

Each participant brought unique, well-researched concepts, reflecting a deep understanding of the region’s current state and Vietnam’s long-term aviation goals.

All terminal designs drew inspiration from Vietnamese culture and landscapes, prioritizing passenger experience while ensuring feasibility and sustainability for long-term operations.

Gia Binh International Airport is projected to handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo annually by 2030, expanding to 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tons by 2050.

The airport is planned to meet ICAO’s 4F technical standards and aims for a 5-star Skytrax service rating in operation.

This project is a nationally significant infrastructure initiative, holding strategic importance for Vietnam’s economy, defense, and international relations.

All three competing firms are renowned for designing terminals at world-class 5-star Skytrax airports, including Incheon (South Korea), Haneda (Japan), and Changi (Singapore).

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Founded in 1936 in Chicago, SOM is a global leader in architecture, planning, engineering, and interior design.

SOM is celebrated for iconic commercial and office buildings, including Walt Disney’s headquarters, the John Hancock Center (second tallest in 1969), Willis Tower (tallest in 1973), and the Burj Khalifa (currently the world’s tallest at 829.8 meters).

Beyond skyscrapers, SOM has designed landmarks like New York’s Waldorf Astoria, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Paris’ Charenton-Bercy complex, and Portland’s Memorial Coliseum.

SOM’s designs were selected for Saigon South Urban Planning and Hanoi’s 108-story Smart City Tower.

Nikken Sekkei Ltd.

Established in 1900 as part of the Sumitomo Group, Nikken Sekkei became independent in 1950 and employee-owned in 1970.

Their portfolio includes Tokyo Sky Tree (world’s second-tallest tower), Saitama Super Arena, and Jeddah’s IsDB Headquarters.

In Vietnam, they’ve contributed to Ho Chi Minh City’s master plan, Metro Line 1 stations, Saigon Exhibition Center, Nam De Guesthouse, and the Military History Museum.