In May 2024, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) officially commenced Package No. 12, titled “Construction, Equipment Supply and Installation for the T2 Terminal Expansion,” under the “Expansion of T2 Passenger Terminal – Noi Bai International Airport” project. What makes this project particularly special is that construction must proceed while the terminal remains fully operational. So how has the contractor joint venture led by Viet Bac addressed this dual challenge - ensuring both construction quality and passenger safety in an active terminal environment?
The T2 Terminal expansion project encompasses an area of over 412,000 square meters, which includes both the existing zone and the expansion zone. The aim is to increase passenger handling capacity from 10 million to 15 million passengers per year. The total investment for the project is approximately VND 4,996.738 billion, with completion targeted for December 31, 2025.With proven expertise and extensive experience, the Viet Bac contractor joint venture (comprising Vinaconex Corporation, Hanoi Construction Corporation JSC (Hancorp), and Xuan Mai Investment and Construction JSC) was honored to be awarded the critical Package No. 12 “Construction, Equipment Supply and Installation for the T2 Terminal Expansion” - the substantial package of the entire project.As the lead entity in the joint venture, Vinaconex Corporation, along with the project management board, has been tasked with meticulously planning the construction workflow. This includes scientifically organizing construction phases to ensure seamless integration with the existing terminal systems. Upon completion, the project will guarantee synchronized connectivity in terms of equipment, technology, and structural integrity between the expanded and existing areas of the terminal.All renovation zones at Noi Bai International Airport’s Terminal T2 are securely and aesthetically enclosed, fully separated from areas currently in operation, ensuring both the security of the terminal and the safety of passengers.Given the project’s demanding requirements, the investor and the Viet Bac Joint Venture Contractors have carefully planned the construction methods and scheduling to maintain uninterrupted airport operations while ensuring the highest safety and security standards for travelers.Photo of the T2 terminal before expansion. Upon completion, the expansion will add 61,100 square meters of new floor space and convert an additional 18,730 square meters of existing space, increasing the terminal’s total floor area to 200,100 square meters.The contractor is deploying maximum manpower and machinery to execute reinforced concrete structural works.Regardless of day or night, the construction site remains a hive of activity, driven by a strong collective determination to meet and even exceed the project timeline.More than 1,000 engineers, workers, and machines are actively engaged in synchronized construction activities.The installation of the steel structure for the extended central terminal roof is advancing rapidly and has reached 95% completion as of March 2025.Workers have begun roof panel installation. According to the joint venture, all steel components and roof panels are imported and undergo quality control before being installed on-site.Due to the height of the installation, worker safety is treated with the utmost priority. The construction of the new passenger boarding bridge systems is also underway.On the exterior of the expansion area, major works on reinforcement, steel rebar, and plastering have been largely completed.The interior works, including architectural finishes and mechanical-electrical installations, are being carried out in parallel. Ceiling panel installation is progressing swiftlyVinaconex engineers are closely monitoring the ventilation system installation across the newly expanded areasThe joint venture contractors aim to complete the roof structure and facade glass system before the rainy season, ensuring favorable conditions for subsequent M&E installation and interior finishing. Mr. Vu Trong Phuong, a supervisor from Texo Consultancy, shared: “I highly appreciate the construction capabilities of the Viet Bac Joint Venture led by Vinaconex. All targets regarding progress, quality, and safety have been met. To date, no safety incidents have occurred on this project.”The expanded outdoor infrastructure has also been completed in time to accommodate the growing flow of passengers arriving at and departing from Noi Bai International Airport.While the original timeline calls for project completion in February 2026, under the directive of the Prime Minister, guidance from the ACV, and strong support from both the investor and supervisory consultants, the Viet Bac Joint Venture is committed to delivering the project nearly three months ahead of schedule, bringing it into operation by December 2025.
