On 28/7, the Government Inspectorate issued its conclusion on compliance with policies and laws regarding the Long Thanh International Airport construction project, phase one. The inspection revealed numerous shortcomings and violations in bid packages XD01 and XD02 under component project 2, and bid packages 5.6 and 5.10 under component project 3.

For bid package 5.10, covering the construction and equipment installation of the passenger terminal, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the Long Thanh Airport project's investor, awarded the contract to the Vietur consortium. The contract value totaled VND 35.900 billion, comprising over VND 27.800 billion and USD 339 million (over VND 8.100 billion).

The Vietur consortium consists of 10 enterprises, led by IC Istas (part of Turkey's IC Holdings). Other members include: Ricons, Newtecons, Sol E&C, Construction Corporation No. 1, Vinaconex, Hanoi Construction Corporation, and other entities such as Phuc Hung Holdings, ATAD, and Hawee.

Long Thanh Airport in 5/2026. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

According to the inspection report, the bidding documents for package 5.10 contained errors and required multiple revisions. These errors included technical specifications for escalator and moving walkway systems based on expired standards, and an inappropriate requirement for similar construction contract experience, specifying "or house-like structural works."

During the evaluation, the expert team identified violations in the bid documents but did not request clarification from Vinaconex regarding its capacity and experience in similar contracts.

The Vietur consortium's bid documents also used foreign currency, specifically USD 235,7 million, which violated regulations. The bidding party failed to detect this, proceeded to sign the contract, and made payments in USD.

As of 31/3/2025, although the investor had not yet accepted payments for the equipment costs in the bid, the Government Inspectorate warned that this error risks financial losses for ACV due to making payments in USD as the exchange rate has significantly increased.

The Government Inspectorate stated that the use of VND 936 billion in advance payments by eight out of 10 contractors in the Vietur consortium for interest-bearing savings accounts, generating VND 10,6 billion in interest, was inconsistent with the intended use of advance payments as stipulated in contract 5.10 and legal provisions.

**Numerous Violations by the Vietur Consortium**

Contract 5.10 permitted a maximum subcontracting value of 80% of the contract price. The Government Inspectorate found this to be inconsistent with the bidding document regulations. Additionally, changes in the origin, model codes, and manufacturers of certain materials and equipment, compared to the proposals in the bid documents, also constituted violations.

Contractors commenced work on some items before receiving approval for construction methods from the investor and supervisory consultant. The method for lifting the central steel roof structure of the passenger terminal was altered. While the investor approved this change, the specialized construction agency had not yet assessed it.

The inspection determined that main contractors, including Newtecons, Ricons, Hancorp, Vinaconex, ATAD Steel Structure Joint Stock Company, and Phuc Hung, transferred parts of the work under package 5.10, totaling VND 1.596 billion, to other contractors without prior approval from the investor to act as subcontractors.

Beyond these violations, the inspection also identified numerous breaches related to bid transfers across four packages. The Government Inspectorate has forwarded information to the Ministry of Public Security for investigation and handling in accordance with regulations. This applies to several contractors involved in bid transfers and the investor ACV for violating the Law on Bidding and regulations concerning bidding and payment currencies.

Long Thanh Airport construction site from above. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

The inspection agency attributed these violations partly to objective factors. Long Thanh Airport phase one is a national key transportation project of special importance, with a total investment exceeding VND 100.000 billion, involving over 150 domestic and international bid packages. Seasonal rainfall in Dong Nai province and Covid-19 also significantly impacted the project's progress.

The Government Inspectorate recommended that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Construction direct a review and rectification of management practices, and address accountability for violations in investment and construction activities within the project. If the process reveals legal infringements or financial losses to state funds or assets, the information should be transferred to relevant authorities for consideration and handling.

The Long Thanh International Airport construction project, phase one, was approved with a total investment of over VND 109.111 billion. It comprises four component projects, scheduled for implementation between 2020 and 2025. While the scale and timeline were later adjusted, completion is essentially targeted for 2025.

The project includes two runways, one passenger terminal, and other synchronized auxiliary facilities, designed for a capacity of 25 million passengers and 1,2 million tons of cargo per year.

In a major case related to ACV, the Ministry of Public Security has initiated legal proceedings against 31 individuals, investigating four charges: Violating bidding regulations causing serious consequences, Bribery, Receiving bribes, and Embezzlement. Among those implicated are Vu The Phiet, Chairman of ACV's Board of Directors, and Nguyen Huu Toi, former Chairman of Vinaconex's Board of Directors.