This information was provided by leaders of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) on the afternoon of 14/12 during a working session with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in preparation for the inaugural flights five days later.

Prime Minister inspects the fuel supply area at Long Thanh Airport on the afternoon of 14/12. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

Nguyen Tien Viet, Deputy General Director of ACV, confirmed that critical components such as the runway, apron, air traffic control tower, technical systems, and ceremonial arrangements are largely complete. On 19/12, in addition to the initial Vietnam Airlines flight, two subsequent flights from Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways will land at Long Thanh, approximately 5 minutes apart.

Prior to these flights, the airport will host a technical flight at 15:30 on 15/12 to thoroughly test all systems. This flight will utilize a code E aircraft, expected to be a Boeing 787, departing from Tan Son Nhat and landing at Long Thanh before returning. It will carry only the flight crew and technical personnel.

After an on-site inspection of the runway, passenger terminal, apron, and air traffic control tower, the Prime Minister commended the dedication of the engineers, workers, and Military Region 7 personnel who are assisting in finalizing the landscape and site preparation for the event. He suggested implementing a commendation policy for long-serving individuals who have demonstrated achievements at the construction site.

According to the Prime Minister, eight fundamental components essential for safe aircraft takeoffs and landings have been completed. The passenger terminal, described as "the heart of the airport", is undergoing its final construction phases, preparing for equipment installation, with commercial operations targeted for early 2026.

Long Thanh Airport passenger terminal viewed from above. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

To ensure the 19/12 event proceeds smoothly, the Prime Minister instructed ministries, agencies, ACV, and Dong Nai province to review all aspects, particularly connectivity infrastructure. ACV was urged to mobilize maximum human and financial resources to accelerate the installation of jet bridges and terminal glass. The Ministry of National Defense is prepared to deploy additional personnel if needed.

ACV reports that over 15,000 engineers and workers are currently operating "three shifts, four teams" around the clock at the construction site. Their efforts are focused on key components, including runway one, taxiways, the apron, and passenger terminal equipment.

Long Thanh Airport's phase one, spanning 1,810 hectares, began construction in 1/2021. It is designed to handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually. The project is anticipated to commence commercial operations in mid-2026.

Phuoc Tuan