HCMC – The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has proposed adding a second runway to Long Thanh International Airport during its first phase.
ACV stated that nearly VND4 trillion saved from contingency budgets and procurement processes could fund the additional runway, which is estimated to cost VND3.3 trillion.
The company emphasized that having a single runway when the airport starts operations poses significant risks, as any operational issues could force flights to divert to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC. With Tan Son Nhat expected to reach its capacity of 50 million passengers by 2030 and regional demand projected to climb to 71 million annually, the need for additional infrastructure is pressing.
Building the second runway during the first phase, ACV argued, would prevent future disruptions caused by construction and enhance operational efficiency. This proactive approach would mitigate risks associated with dust and infrastructure adjustments affecting airport operations once the facility is operational.
ACV also highlighted that construction on key packages, including runways and taxiways, is progressing ahead of schedule. The first runway is expected to be completed and operational by April 2025, while the passenger terminal is slated to open by August 2026.
