On the morning of 4/5, during a meeting to resolve issues concerning the Long Thanh Airport project, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung instructed the Ministry of Public Security to direct the Police Investigation Department for Corruption, Economic, and Smuggling Crimes (C03) to swiftly accelerate investigations and address violations. He emphasized clear identification of individuals, actions, and responsibilities, while facilitating timely execution of bidding packages.

The Prime Minister affirmed that Long Thanh Airport is a key national project and strategic transport infrastructure, critically important for socio-economic development. Therefore, agencies must resolutely address violations without exception, while also implementing solutions to overcome difficulties, preventing delays or disruptions to the project.

The head of government requested implementation of the Politburo's directive to address project challenges concurrently with assigning responsibility to violating collectives and individuals. This ensures that wrongdoings are not legalized, new violations do not arise, and plans are in place to mitigate damages.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung working with agencies on the progress of the Long Thanh Airport project, morning of 4/5. *Nhat Bac*

The Prime Minister emphasized that a stalled project would lead to significant waste, severely impacting investment efficiency and the trust of citizens and businesses. He affirmed that the goal of completing and commencing commercial operations in 2026 "is a mandatory task."

According to reports, the Ministry of Public Security has collaborated with the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and contractors to agree on solutions for payment-related issues. To date, the project's volume has reached 76%, equivalent to approximately 70,000 billion Vietnamese dong.

To ensure progress and quality, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung clarified that current difficulties fall under the investor's authority. Therefore, ACV must proactively coordinate with ministries, agencies, localities, and contractors to address them, ensuring no impact on the schedule. He requested immediate resolution of two issues: reinforcing the positions of Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of ACV, and removing obstacles to promptly pay contractors for work completed.

Agencies should request the State Audit Office to immediately audit completed bidding packages and items to help the investor and contractors prevent and correct errors. The Ministry of Finance must address payment difficulties and approve ACV's personnel policies before 7/5.

The Ministry of Construction is tasked with resolving material-related issues, collaborating with the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee to manage the supply and pricing of raw materials, fuel, and construction materials. It must also inspect the acceptance of completed items when conditions are met. The Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee is responsible for ensuring a reasonable supply of fuel and materials, and directing fuel pipeline investors to complete procedures and implement construction on schedule.

ACV bears full responsibility for the progress and quality of the component three project and related tasks. It must review acceptance documents for each contractor to facilitate payment, while also requiring contractors to augment construction resources. Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai are requested to provide human resources when necessary. Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc will directly oversee project-related tasks.

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc and Minister, Chairman of the Government Office Dang Xuan Phong. *Nhat Bac*

Long Thanh Airport spans approximately 5,000 hectares, with a total investment of nearly 337,000 billion Vietnamese dong. By the end of 2025, some phase one items were completed, receiving the first flights.

The Prime Minister's directive follows recent legal actions against high-ranking officials involved in the project. On 5/3, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam announced that its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vu The Phiet, was temporarily detained by the Ministry of Public Security for investigation into violations of bidding regulations causing exceptionally serious consequences and receiving money to facilitate contractors winning bids. Also arrested was Nguyen Tien Viet, a member of the Board of Directors, Deputy General Director in charge of the Executive Board, and Director of the Long Thanh International Airport Project Management Board.

On 8/4, the Central Inspection Committee expelled Lai Xuan Thanh, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Nguyen Tien Viet from the Party for violations of Party regulations and state laws in fulfilling their assigned duties. The Central Inspection Committee also recommended that competent authorities consider disciplinary action against Vu The Phiet.

Vu Tuan