Inside Long Thanh airport terminal before the first flight

Long Thanh airport terminal is rushing to install runways, elevators, escalators, electrical systems and final technical equipment, preparing for the first flight scheduled for December 19.

In the last days of November, VTC News reporters at the Long Thanh airport construction site observed thousands of engineers, workers and specialized equipment working continuously to complete the items before the airport welcomes the first flight as planned on December 19.

The highlight of the project is the passenger terminal with its stylized lotus-shaped architecture, which is clearly visible when viewed from above. Inside the terminal, construction teams are focusing on installing passenger tubes, elevators, escalators, electrical systems, air conditioning and technical connections - important items to ensure passenger operations.

According to the Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), in the terminal area alone, there are currently about 14,000 engineers, experts, workers and more than 3,000 pieces of equipment mobilized, working 24/7.

Fire protection, electricity, drainage, glass installation, wall cladding and ceiling construction items are entering the final stage to be basically completed before December 19.

Inside the air terminal work was going on urgently in all categories to welcome the first flight.

The station roof area - a 5-layer structure that serves as the architectural highlight of the project - has been basically completed and is undergoing the final stages.

At the glass installation sites, workers are completing the final items to ensure they meet international aviation technical standards.

The first floor of the terminal, where the conveyor system, wing area and domestic VIP room are located, also recorded accelerated progress with tiling, stone installation, ceiling finishing and wall cladding.

The construction unit representative said that the items here have reached the state of readiness for handover, serving the goal of inaugurating phase 1.

To ensure the first flight is ready on time, contractors at the entire construction site are organizing simultaneous construction at high intensity.

Records at the scene show that the engineers and workers worked in "3 shifts, 4 shifts", regardless of day or night, maintaining construction "throughout holidays, Tet, and days off".

In parallel with the terminal, ACV said that runway 1 and the taxiway system have been completed, calibrated and qualified for operation. The western aircraft parking area is ahead of schedule, expected to be completed before December 19, 2025, 5 months ahead of schedule. Runway 2 is more than 60% complete in cement concrete structure and is targeted to be operational from June 2026.

Construction of technical lines, drainage reservoirs, power supply and viaduct connecting the station are being accelerated to ensure synchronization. The underground fuel supply system requires high technical requirements and is expected to be completed in December 2025 and tested in March 2026, 3 months ahead of the contract.

Previously, at the field inspection, General Secretary To Lam assessed the project's progress as very good, demonstrating the close direction of the Government, ministries and localities. The General Secretary emphasized that Long Thanh airport is a project of strategic significance, creating momentum for regional and national economic development, affirming Vietnam's position on the international aviation map.

The General Secretary requested to ensure smart and convenient design for passengers and calculate optimal traffic connection options, in which the travel time from Long Thanh to Ho Chi Minh City of about 30 minutes with the railway or metro option is considered suitable.

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/ben-trong-nha-ga-san-bay-long-thanh-truoc-ngay-don-chuyen-bay-dau-tien-ar989625.html