The government's vision for Long Thanh airport extends beyond merely a large-scale infrastructure project. According to conclusions by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, announced by the Government Office on 11/12/2024, the airport must be positioned as an internationally competitive aviation destination, aiming to rival and surpass leading airports in Southeast Asia. To achieve this, the Ministry of Construction has tasked Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and Vietnam Airlines with developing a set of criteria to assess Long Thanh's competitiveness. These criteria will focus on service quality and passenger experience, operational efficiency, connectivity, and transit capabilities within the regional aviation network.
Authorities are currently reviewing the project's overall efficiency to prepare for investment in an additional runway and a second passenger terminal. Leveraging existing machinery and resources, the objective is to quickly increase annual capacity to 50 million passengers and 1.5 million tons of cargo, with completion projected by Q1/2026. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the need for competitive policies to attract international airlines. This includes favorable fees, ground services, maintenance, cargo transit, and image promotion, aiming to establish Long Thanh as a preferred choice in regional and international flight networks and a new gateway for Vietnam to the world.
 |
Long Thanh airport project, Dong Nai province, 12/2025. Photo: Quynh Tran
Alongside airport development, connecting infrastructure systems must be synchronously advanced. This includes the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau, Ben Luc - Long Thanh, and Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3 and 4 expressways. Ho Chi Minh City is tasked with accelerating investment preparations, aiming to commence construction on the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh light rail and the Suoi Tien - Dong Nai provincial administrative center - Long Thanh metro line in 2026. Beyond transportation, Long Thanh is also slated for the development of an aviation service ecosystem. This encompasses accommodation, hotels, conference facilities, commerce, healthcare, training, maintenance, logistics, a free trade zone, and financial services. The objective is to gradually form an "airport city," establishing it as a service and transit hub for Southeast Asia.
Earlier, during an inspection tour on 13/11/2024, General Secretary To Lam also urged for prompt policies to attract international airlines, ensuring Long Thanh becomes a preferred destination within the regional aviation network. Long Thanh airport's phase one spans 1,810 hectares, with construction commencing on 5/1/2021. It is designed for an annual capacity of 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo. Many major components are now complete, with flight inspection and calibration activities conducted from late September to late October. The airport is anticipated to begin technical operations next week and commercial operations by mid-2026.
Vu Tuan
