Latest Updates on the $2.6 Billion Project Connecting Southern Vietnam’s Major Airports

The Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee has submitted a draft resolution to the Provincial People’s Council, proposing the committee as the authorized body to execute the investment project for extending the Bến Thành – Suoi Tien metro line to the Provincial Administrative Center and Long Thanh International Airport. The project, structured as a public-private partnership (PPP), spans two administrative provinces: Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City.

This submission to the Provincial People’s Council is a critical legal foundation for Dong Nai to collaborate with Ho Chi Minh City in finalizing related procedures, mobilizing social resources, and implementing the project. This comes as Long Thanh International Airport prepares for operation.

Currently, transportation connectivity between these two key Southeastern regions relies heavily on roads. Increasing vehicle traffic has led to frequent overloads on National Highway 1 and National Highway 51. Despite new inter-regional roads and highways, capacity has not kept pace with demand, especially with the impending operation of Long Thanh Airport.

Extending the metro or urban rail line is a vital solution to reduce travel time, alleviate pressure on road systems, and optimize the connectivity between the two largest southern airports: Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh. This ensures swift and efficient links between these critical aviation hubs.

The proposed extension spans over 41 km, divided into three segments: Segment 1 from Station S0 to the Provincial Administrative Center Station (SC), exceeding 6 km; Segment 2 from Station SC to Station SA, intersecting with the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway line, over 28 km; and Segment 3, a new line directly connecting to Long Thanh International Airport.

The preliminary total investment exceeds 60 trillion VND, including over 4.3 trillion VND for compensation, support, and resettlement. Implementation is scheduled for 2025–2029.

Previously, the Provincial People’s Committee requested the addition of content to Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15, amending the resolution on pilot mechanisms and policies for Ho Chi Minh City’s development. This would allow the Bến Thành – Suoi Tien metro extension to Long Thanh to benefit from special mechanisms under Resolution No. 188/2025/QH15, which pilots unique mechanisms for urban rail network development in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

If approved, the Dong Nai project will fully leverage these special mechanisms, enabling effective social resource mobilization, TOD model land exploitation, shortened investment preparation, and accelerated urban, service, and commercial development along the Ho Chi Minh City – Dong Nai – Long Thanh Airport corridor.