Sooner construction of second runway for projected Long Thanh Airport proposed

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has proposed the construction of a second runway at Long Thanh International Airport, estimated to cost VND3.455 trillion (over $136 million) in the initial phase.

ACV leaders assure that this addition will not impact the overall investment of the project's third component. The proposal is scheduled to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration on November 5, 2024. If approved, construction is expected to commence in late 2025 and be completed by the third quarter of 2026.

ACV representatives highlighted the strategic timing of the second runway's construction, emphasizing the opportunity to leverage existing infrastructure from phase 1. This approach will not disrupt the projected airport's operations once its phase 1 construction work is completed.

Delaying the construction of the second runway until after 2026, when Long Thanh Airport (phase 1) is fully operational, could lead to several challenges. The airport's location on red soil and fine clay terrain increases the risk of dust dispersion during runway construction, potentially affecting the airport's operations and the environment.

By building the second runway now, ACV aims to enhance flight safety and provide a backup option in case of incidents on the primary runway.

Concurrently, ACV anticipates the expansion of the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Highway to accommodate the growing transportation needs of airport passengers.