Vietnam’s $16 Billion “Century Project” Nears Milestone: 3,000 Machines, 15,000 Workers Gear Up for First Flight

On December 12, the Vietnam Airport Corporation (ACV) announced that to ensure the success and safety of the first technical flight landing at Long Thanh International Airport on December 19, 2025, over 15,000 workers and 3,000 pieces of machinery (an increase of 1,000 workers since early November 2025) have been mobilized to work around the clock. Priority has been given to completing critical components such as runway 1, taxiways, aircraft parking areas, and passenger terminal equipment installation.

At runway 1, contractors are focused on finishing surface drainage grooves, anti-skid treatments, expansion joint sealing, line painting, and thorough cleaning.

On the night of December 11, the entire aviation lighting and signage system on runway 1 successfully operated, meeting the CAT II standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The system spans the 4km length of the runway and the 1.8km approach thresholds at both ends (900m each). Medium-voltage power has been supplied to the Instrument Landing System (ILS/DME) and the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS).

At the Long Thanh Airport passenger terminal, construction, glass wall installation, and steel structures are nearly complete. Equipment installation is underway. For the telescopic conveyor system, 26 out of 64 units have been delivered to the site, with 16 currently being installed. Additionally, 53 out of 57 checked baggage screening systems and 145 out of 256 carry-on baggage screening systems have been delivered and are being installed.

The Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) has seen 100 out of 125 units (nearly 80%) delivered, with contractors rapidly installing supports and equipment at multiple gates. Work is also accelerating on the baggage handling system, escalators, moving walkways, and elevators.

The aircraft parking area has completed its drainage system and ground support equipment vaults, along with the foundation and concrete paving. Contractors are also working on landscaping, lighting, and signage for the connecting roads.

ACV reported that on December 12, power was successfully supplied from the receiving station to the Long Thanh Airport Energy Center and then to the terminal’s five substations. “This is a critical milestone, ensuring a stable energy supply for the airport’s current and future needs,” said an ACV representative.

The 123-meter air traffic control tower is in its final equipment installation phase, preparing for the technical flight on December 15 and the special flight on December 19. All equipment in the 21st-floor control cabin has been installed, fine-tuned, and tested.

On December 10, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) conducted simulator training for Long Thanh air traffic controllers, covering scenarios such as adverse weather, navigation equipment malfunctions, and aircraft emergencies. The CAAV praised the controllers’ coordination and response capabilities.