On 4/6, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) proposed that the Ministry of Construction approve a schedule adjustment for six items under component project 4 of Long Thanh Airport. This proposal followed requests from investors to extend construction and operation timelines.

These items are being developed by two airlines, comprising: two aviation catering projects, two projects for repairing and maintaining aviation equipment and providing ground commercial technical services, and two aircraft maintenance hangar projects.

According to contracts signed with the CAAV, these projects were initially slated for completion between early june and mid-july. However, investors have requested an extension for construction completion until 31/8. Some projects have also applied to finalize procedures for commercial operation in Quarter IV.

A Vietjet Air aircraft maintenance hangar project under construction at Long Thanh Airport, 5/2026. *Photo: Phuoc Tuan*

The CAAV stated that the schedule adjustment stems from changes to the overall operational plan for Long Thanh Airport's giai doan 1. Previously, the airport was expected to commence operations from june, but the new plan shifts trial operation to september and commercial flights to the end of the year.

The change in the airport's operational timeline fundamentally alters the conditions in contracts signed with investors. If the projects under component project 4 were completed by june according to the old plan, these facilities still could not be utilized because the airport would not yet be operational, leading to a risk of wasted investment.

Additionally, the CAAV noted that the construction progress of package 4.8, which includes internal port roads and technical infrastructure carried out by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), also impacts the electricity and water connections to the items of component project 4.

Long Thanh Airport is being constructed on an area of approximately 5,000 ha in Long Thanh ward, with a total investment capital of nearly 16 billion USD. Giai doan 1 is expected to commence operation later this year, stimulating the development of aviation logistics, free trade, finance, hospitality, conference facilities, and smart urban areas surrounding the airport.

Four days ago, the Long Thanh Airport Project Management Board reported that the total output value of the entire project has reached nearly 76%. Runway one and the apron have been completed, having successfully accommodated a calibration flight in 12/2025. The main construction and installation packages have achieved over 64% of their contract volume.

According to ACV's plan, Long Thanh Airport will undergo three trial operation phases in september, october, and november, prior to its official operation.

Phuoc Tuan