Immediately after the National Assembly session on the afternoon of 2/12, the government submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee a proposal to adjust the content of Resolution No. 94/2015 of the National Assembly regarding the investment policy for the Long Thanh International Airport Project.

Under the 2014 Law on Public Investment, the Prime Minister has the authority to approve investment decisions for nationally significant projects once the National Assembly has approved the investment policy, without needing to resubmit to the National Assembly. However, due to the exceptionally large scale of the Long Thanh Airport project and its inaugural implementation, the National Assembly previously mandated that feasibility study reports be prepared for each phase and submitted for its review before an investment decision could be made.

The government stated that 2024 set a precedent when the National Assembly issued Resolution 174, authorizing the government to approve adjustments to the Phase one feasibility study report within its jurisdiction. Applying a similar mechanism for Phase two would align with legal frameworks and decentralization policies, while also shortening the investment preparation process for this nationally significant project.

Long Thanh Airport. Photo: Quynh Tran

According to the investment policy, Phase two includes a third runway, passenger terminal number 2 with a capacity of 25 million passengers per year, and synchronous supporting facilities. The government anticipates continuing to assign ACV as the investor for essential works, based on the implementation model of Phase one.

Initially, the study and investment for Phase two were planned for the 2028-2032 period. However, with a scenario where GDP growth from 2026 could reach double digits and passenger traffic increasing faster than projected, the need for expanding aviation infrastructure is expected to arise sooner. The government also believes that early implementation of the third runway would leverage existing labor, equipment, and materials on the Phase one construction site, thereby reducing costs, shortening timelines, and minimizing environmental impact when transitioning to the new construction phase.

The submission cites Conclusion 199 of the 13th Central Committee's 13th session and Resolution 244 of the 15th National Assembly in 2025 on the Socio-Economic Development Plan, both of which call for early study of Phase two to ensure alignment with the Long Thanh Airport's long-term master plan.

Upon reviewing this content, the Economic and Financial Committee stated that the project largely meets the requirements set by the National Assembly; the government's recommendations have a legal basis, align with decentralization policies, and help shorten the time for planning, appraisal, and investment decisions. The Committee's Standing Board concurred with the proposal, while also requiring the government to be responsible for the progress, quality, and investment efficiency of Phase two.

Long Thanh Airport is a nationally pivotal project, spanning 5,000 hectares with a total investment of nearly 337 trillion VND. To date, the first runway and taxiway system are complete; the passenger terminal roof is finished, and glass installation is underway; the air traffic control tower and operational facilities are entering their final stages of completion. Nearly 14,000 engineers and workers, along with approximately 3,000 pieces of equipment, are currently mobilized, striving to largely complete Phase one by the end of 2025.

Son Ha