Vietnam moves to build second terminal, third runway at Long Thanh airport
Vietnam is moving ahead with plans to expand Long Thanh International Airport, adding a third runway and a second passenger terminal as air travel demand is set to grow faster than expected.
The Ministry of Construction has instructed Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the airport’s investor, to begin preparations for phase two of the national flagship airport project in Dong Nai Province, 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
The next phase will include a third runway and a second passenger terminal designed to handle 25 million passengers a year, along with supporting infrastructure.
Under the original investment plan, phase two was scheduled for research and implementation between 2028 and 2032. However, authorities now believe expansion needs will arrive earlier, as GDP growth from 2026 is projected to remain strong and aviation passenger volumes are increasing more rapidly than anticipated.
In December 2025, the government submitted a proposal to the National Assembly Standing Committee to adjust a resolution on the project’s investment policy. Accelerating construction, especially of the third runway, is expected to help reuse manpower, equipment and materials already mobilized for phase one, cutting costs, shortening timelines and reducing environmental impacts.
The Ministry of Construction has asked ACV to ensure sufficient funding for phase two, while maintaining project quality, efficiency and the preservation of state capital. ACV is also required to closely coordinate with the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation during investment preparations.
Long Thanh International Airport is a nationally significant infrastructure project covering nearly 5,000 hectares, with total investment estimated at almost VND337 trillion (US$12.8 billion).
Several phase one components were inaugurated last month and welcomed their first official flights, and the airport is expected to begin commercial operations in June.
By Phuoc Tuan – VnExpress.net – January 14, 2026