A CLOSER LOOK AT THE 5-LAYER ROOF CONSTRUCTION OF LONG THANH AIRPORT TERMINAL

In early 2025, work began on installing the roof of the Long Thanh airport passenger terminal construction site.

To date, approximately three spans of the roof, covering 1,500 square meters, have been completed. The project is on track to finish two months ahead of schedule, with the terminal roof expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.

At the terminal wing under construction by Vinaconex, workers diligently install roof panels at a height of tens of meters above ground. Each step—drilling, screwing, and joining—is executed with precision and care. 

Engineers explained that the roof comprises five layers, each designed to meet exacting technical standards. During installation, each layer undergoes rigorous inspections for flatness, tightness, and weather resistance. “Every layer is vital for insulation, waterproofing, and surface protection, ensuring the roof's durability, etc. After each layer is placed, precise measurements and alignments are verified before moving to the next,” said Nguyen Van Tam, a roofing contractor.

As observation of reporters, workers at the site, operating at significant heights, are equipped with safety belts and non-slip footwear. Before every shift, they thoroughly inspect their tools and safety gear to ensure optimal working conditions. (Photo: Construction staff captured the moment of installing the first roof panels.)

“Working at heights in challenging conditions of heat and wind requires utmost precision and caution. We are racing to meet deadlines while prioritizing the safety of ourselves and our colleagues," said Nguyen Van Tuan (the one on the right), a worker at the site.

Many workers involved in roofing the terminal noted that safety officers conduct regular inspections, offer reminders, and promote safety practices during construction. Those who fail to adhere to safety protocols will be immediately reminded and penalized.

In addition to roofing, the construction team is advancing work on the steel roof structure, foundations for boarding bridges, corridor staircases, elevators and so on. (Photo: workers assembling the steel structure of the central terminal roof.)

The Long Thanh airport passenger terminal features a central area and three wings, with distinct zones for departures and arrivals. The terminal spans a ground floor and three additional levels, reaching a roof height of over 45 meters and a total floor area of approximately 376,000 sqm. With a total investment of VND 35 trillion, terminal construction commenced in 2023 and is slated for completion by 2025.

Mr. Duong Quang Dien, Permanent Deputy Director of the Long Thanh Project Management Board, stated that the terminal’s roof will require approximately 36,000 tons of steel. The steel materials are being imported and processed domestically for the installation, which began in August 2024 and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.

The installation of the terminal roof and steel roof structure requires workers to operate at significant heights under challenging and hazardous conditions, often working through the day and night. To ensure safety, the Project Management Board and associated units have intensified inspections and supervision, mandating strict compliance with safety protocols. (Photo: workers are cleaning large steel panels in preparation for installation.) 

According to Mr. Dien, in addition to the passenger terminal, several other items on the construction site are being constructed simultaneously. Nearly 10,000 workers and pieces of construction machinery have been deployed by the joint venture of contractors to work around the clock, accelerating progress toward completion.

Long Thanh Airport, spanning a vast 5,000-hectare site, has a total estimated investment of approximately VND 336,630 billion. The first phase of the airport is designed to accommodate 25 million passengers annually, with subsequent phases aiming to increase capacity to 100 million passengers per year. Once completed, the airport is expected to serve as a major international hub for Vietnam and the region. Currently, key components, including the passenger terminal, runway, and T1 and T2 access roads, are progressing ahead of schedule.

Source: baogiaothong