PM ORDERS LONG THANH AIRPORT COMPLETION BY DEC 31, 2025— LEADERSHIP CHANGES IF DELAYED

On the afternoon of March 20, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conducted an on-site inspection of several key transportation infrastructure projects, including Long Thanh International Airport. This marks the 7th time the PM has personally pushed for progress on the airport, emphasizing that any delays would result in leadership changes.

Accompanying him were Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh, and officials from various central and local government agencies. 

This is the 7th time that PM Pham Minh Chinh has inspected the site, identified ongoing challenges, and urged swift solutions to keep Long Thanh International Airport’s construction on track.

During the visit, Deputy Minister of Construction Pham Minh Ha reported that investors and contractors are making every effort to accelerate the construction timeline.

The PM inspected key construction items of the airport, including the passenger terminal (Package No. 5.10) and the synchronized lifting and installation of the primary steel roof structure. As of now, the package has achieved 35.36% completion.

VINACONEX, one of the contractors contributing to the terminal's construction, has been working diligently to speed up the progress. So far the main steel structure installation is 100% and 91% completed in the central and wing areas, respectively. Roof construction: 100% completion of the steel sheet roofing, with additional layers currently being installed. Skylight installation has reached 30%. Facade construction: Glass panel fabrication is at 10%, while smoke vent and aluminum louver installation stand at 18%. In March 2025, VINACONEX plans to continue installing the steel structure for the central area, constructing walls and the terminal roof, and assembling the facade system for the terminal wings.

For Component Project No.1, the Airport Authority headquarters, customs office, immigration management department, and local police headquarters are all under construction and scheduled for operation by December 2025. The animal quarantine office is set to begin construction before May 2025, with completion expected by December 2025. 

Component Project No.2 includes the Air Traffic Control Tower and specialized facilities. The Air Traffic Control Tower has completed its structural framework, and steel structures are currently being installed at the top. It is scheduled for completion by April 30, 2025. All construction work will be finalized by June 2025, followed by the installation of specialized equipment from June to September 2025. Trial operations will be conducted from October to December 2025, with full operation expected by December 2025.

Regarding Component Project No.3, which covers civil works and equipment installation, 3 out of 14 contract packages have been completed, while 8 out of the remaining 11 are under construction. The remaining 3 packages are in the contractor selection process.

For Component Project No.4, which includes cargo terminals, warehouses, aircraft sanitation areas, ground support maintenance zones, and in-flight catering facilities, investors have already been selected, and all units have committed to completing construction by December 2025. 

Addressing the issue of construction materials (stone, sand, gravel), the PM instructed relevant ministries and local authorities to resolve the matter within the next week. He also reaffirmed that no component of the project would be delayed.  

Concluding the working session, PM Chinh emphasized the need for all units to accelerate construction at maximum speed, increase work shifts, and strive to complete the core project by December 31, 2025.