Long Thanh International Airport in southern Dong Nai city is entering its final preparation phase to welcome its first flights in December 2026. However, the progress of key construction packages, contractor payments, and connectivity infrastructure remain issues that require synchronized resolution.
To prepare for the operational phase, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has collaborated with Incheon Airport Consulting (South Korea) to develop a series of operational scenarios. The goal is to complete checks on passenger service systems before the airport opens, ensuring safety, quality, and continuity during operations.
Completing key components on the critical path
In component project 3, led by ACV, the production value reached nearly VND73,870 billion (nearly $2.89 billion), equivalent to 85.55% of the contract value; disbursement was about VND 47,055 billion, or 54.49% by mid-October 2026. Of the 16 main construction packages, four have been completed; the runway, taxiway, and apron are 99.5% complete.
Four packages remain on the critical path, including the passenger terminal, internal traffic and technical infrastructure, cargo terminal 1, and the parking garage.
The passenger terminal has completed basic construction and is transitioning to the installation, testing, and trial operation of baggage handling, security screening, electrical, and IT systems. ACV and Incheon Airport Consulting have developed 55 operational scenarios, with two tested in September 2026. The initial phase prioritizes the west wing and central area, with four check-in islands serving 20-30 flights daily.
Cargo terminal 1 has reached about 50% of construction volume. Due to prolonged contractor selection, the investor has adjusted the scope and transferred some tasks to accelerate progress. Contractors aim to complete the structure, roof, and electromechanical equipment. However, the automated cargo handling system must be ordered from abroad, expected to arrive at the site in early February 2027. Therefore, partial operation and manual handling of some processes are being considered.
For the parking garage, the contractor consortium prioritizes completing one wing by November 30, 2026, meeting about 50% of initial phase capacity. The internal traffic package mobilizes over 2,000 personnel and 186 pieces of equipment, constructing roads, viaducts, and technical systems, according to schedules, aiming for completion in December 2026.
Payment and Materials Pressure Contractors
The gap between production value and disbursement is a concern raised by contractors. According to ACV, the unpaid difference is mainly due to incomplete documentation; 12 out of 16 packages face issues with changes in manufacturers, codes, origins of materials, equipment, or design adjustments, leading to increased volume and payment procedures.
Since May 2026, ACV has conducted seven payment rounds totaling about VND6,300 billion and has prepared funds for payment. However, the internal traffic package still faces procedural issues with about VND 2,821 billion. In the passenger terminal package, a contractor consortium representative stated that construction volume reached about 90%, but the payment rate is only about 50%, causing financial pressure and affecting the ability to supplement manpower.
Of the approximately VND18,000 billion unpaid, issues related to changes in materials and equipment account for about VND8,900 billion. The investor is reviewing invoices, considering price difference deductions, and seeking inspection units; of the six invited units, one declined, and five have not responded.
Material supply also affects progress. The price of asphalt has reportedly increased from about VND 27,000 per barrel to VND 29,000 per barrel; the stone supply from Tan Cang quarry does not meet demand. Contractors must coordinate supply, adjust plans, increase shifts, and add labor.
Large scale, technology, and unique design
Long Thanh Airport is being constructed on an area of about 5,000 hectares, with an estimated total investment of over $16 billion across three phases. Phase 1 has an investment of over $5.4 billion, with a capacity of 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually. Upon completion, the airport aims for a capacity of 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo annually.
According to ACV's roadmap, from December 2026 to March 2027, the airport is expected to operate at 6-10% capacity; from April to October 2027, it will increase to about 50%; from October 2027, it aims for 100%. ACV plans to conduct three comprehensive operational trials, checking passenger service, baggage, airfield operations, security, safety, and IT; operational documents and licenses are also being completed.
On November 5, 2026, the Government Office issued Official Dispatch No. 11272/VPCP-CN conveying the directive of Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc on accelerating the implementation of Long Thanh International Airport Project phase 1.
The Government requires reviewing and evaluating necessary conditions to bring Long Thanh International Airport phase 1 into operation before December 31, 2026.
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