The Deputy PM made the request during a field trip to the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport project on October 4, as the overall project has now reached more than 80% completion but a substantial volume of work remains ahead of its planned operation in December 2026.

At a working session with relevant ministries, agencies, the investor and contractors, Tuc acknowledged the efforts made by the agencies, local authorities, contractors and other forces involved in the project to accelerate construction.

However, he noted that some contractors were still behind schedule, while the remaining workload was substantial and the time available was limited.

He therefore requested all relevant units to step up construction on a 24/7 basis, with progress monitored on a daily and weekly basis as well as by individual tasks and construction packages.

Four critical packages remain

According to the Ministry of Construction, the Long Thanh International Airport project is being implemented through four component projects, together with road, railway and urban railway infrastructure connecting the airport.

The first component, covering facilities serving State management agencies, has basically completed its infrastructure. The second, which includes the air traffic control tower and specialised aviation equipment, has completed its major works.

The third component, invested in by Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) with total investment of nearly VND99 trillion, includes the passenger terminal, runway, aircraft apron and technical infrastructure.

Of its 16 major construction packages, four have been completed and eight are on track. The remaining four are on the critical path, covering the passenger terminal, internal airport transport and technical infrastructure, Cargo Terminal 1 and the parking facility.

These packages are receiving additional resources to avoid affecting the target of putting Long Thanh Airport into operation in December 2026.

ACV is also conducting a comprehensive operational trial programme to assess the readiness of infrastructure, personnel and procedures for passenger and baggage services, airside operations, security, safety and information technology.

Safety is a non-negotiable condition for flights

Standing Deputy PM Pham Gia Tuc requested ACV to submit a comprehensive report before October 7 on the project’s progress, outstanding difficulties and obstacles, and plans for completing the remaining works.

The report must also clarify plans for phased operations and the conditions required for the airport to operate safely and efficiently.

With the deadline drawing closer, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that agencies and contractors must maintain close coordination and accelerate implementation to meet the planned milestones.

“No safety, no flight,” he emphasised, making clear that construction acceleration must go hand in hand with ensuring all conditions for safe airport operations.

UK plans US$2.5bln financing for Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh metro line

VOV.VN - Britain’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), is preparing up to US$2.5 billion in loans, guarantees and other financial support for a metro project connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Long Thanh International Airport, according to Nikkei Asia.