Accelerating Installation in Long Thanh Air Traffic Control Tower to Welcome the First Flight

According to VTC News, at the Component 2 project site, the air traffic management facilities for Long Thanh International Airport Phase 1 are nearing completion. Most of the main components are now finished.

In early December, hundreds of workers are tirelessly working in shifts to finalize the construction and install equipment before the airport’s first flight.

Intensive Work on the Air Traffic Control Tower

At the air traffic control tower—a key project component—work is underway around the clock. Teams are assigned to different floors, simultaneously finishing construction and installing air navigation systems.

Externally, large aluminum panels are being lifted and installed using specialized equipment. Workers are taking advantage of every moment to complete the remaining sections. The site management reports that the exterior is progressing on a rolling basis to meet deadlines.

Inside the tower, the installation of air traffic management systems—including communication, surveillance, command centers, and control panels—is being accelerated in December. This is crucial for the tower’s trial operation before the airport’s first flights. The developer has increased personnel and implemented shift work to maintain the overall schedule.

The tower’s exterior is expected to be completed by December 15, with the glasswork finished by December 8 and the aluminum panels by December 15.

Adjacent to the tower, the VIP building is taking shape. The roof is nearly complete, and scaffolding is being removed to reveal the structure. Auxiliary works, glass walls, and functional rooms are in the final stages.

At the technical building, workers are installing glass walls and finishing offices. Simultaneously, another team is cleaning and preparing the site for handover.

Externally, landscaping is scheduled for December 14–15, including planting greenery, arranging flower beds, and laying plastic flooring. This will be the final step in completing the air traffic management area.

Near the control tower, other technical facilities—such as primary and secondary radar stations, VHF communication systems, meteorological radar, and DVOR/DME navigation systems—are nearly complete. These will integrate into the air traffic management system once the airport is operational.

Developer Overseeing On-Site Progress and Preparing Operations Staff

Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), the developer of Component 2, has leadership on-site 24/7 to address issues and ensure timely completion.

The final phase is critical, as all technical systems and air traffic equipment must be installed, tested, and trialed continuously.

Mr. Nguyễn Công Long, VATM’s CEO, stated that staffing for Long Thanh Airport is complete. Air traffic controllers, technicians, and operations staff have undergone comprehensive training and are ready for duty.

“We’ve established three specialized teams—operations, technical, and safety/security—to evaluate and adjust operational plans. Several independent systems are active to manage any situation when the airport opens,” said Mr. Long.

Component 2, part of Long Thanh International Airport Phase 1, began on September 29, 2022, with a budget of nearly VND 3.5 trillion. It covers 70,000 m², including a 24,000 m² air traffic control center and auxiliary facilities.

The 123-meter control tower, designed as a lotus bud, complements the passenger terminal’s architecture. The tower houses a 150 m² control cabin and two 70 m² apron oversight cabins. All equipment is automated and scalable for future airport expansion.

The project also includes radar systems, VHF stations, MLAT surveillance, AWOS weather monitoring, wind shear alerts, and medium-voltage power systems—all essential for flight safety.

With current progress, the developer expects all main components to be completed on schedule, ready for trial operations and the airport’s first flight.