HCMC – Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered urgent action to do away with hindrances to the Long Thanh International Airport project, focusing on leadership consolidation and guaranteeing timely payments for contractors.
At a meeting on May 4, the prime minister directed authorities to swiftly fill key leadership positions at Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and ensure timely payments for completed work. He also tasked the Ministry of Public Security with accelerating investigations into alleged violations while allowing construction packages to proceed without disruption.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Construction were instructed to proactively address bottlenecks related to payment procedures, material prices, and supply shortages.
The Government leader stressed that bringing the airport’s first phase into commercial operation later this year is a mandatory target, warning against delays or waste. Violations must be handled strictly with no exceptions, but with sufficient flexibility to avoid hindering progress on the nationally significant project, he noted.
In addition to the two priority issues, relevant ministries were told to implement the Politburo’s conclusions on resolving stalled projects. The Ministry of Finance must approve ACV’s personnel plan by May 7, while the Ministry of Construction, in coordination with Dong Nai City, is expected to settle outstanding issues related to construction material supply and pricing.
The PM also urged the State Audit Office of Vietnam to promptly review completed components to help investors and contractors minimize procedural risks.
The directives come as the project is facing mounting challenges though it is around 76% complete. Construction progress has been affected by legal violations involving certain organizations and individuals, disrupting project management and execution. Labor shortages, limited availability of supervisory consultants, and fluctuating material supplies and costs continue to pose significant risks to the project’s 2026 deadline set by the National Assembly.
