Long Thanh International Airport: The Mega Project Taking Shape
Author: Tri Duc
Date: Sun, June 18, 2023 | 8:39 am GMT+7
Three bidders have stepped forward to propose plans for the construction and equipment installation at the terminal of the Long Thanh International Airport project, as reported by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV). This mega project is poised to transform the aviation landscape in Vietnam, particularly in the Southern region.
A Major Investment and Timeline
The ACV, which is the state-owned main investor in this ambitious undertaking, is currently evaluating bids from firms hailing from Vietnam, China, and Turkey. Such a decision-making process is not instantaneous; ACV estimates that it could take at least 1.5 months before the evaluations are completed. If all goes according to plan, construction could commence as early as September.
Key Features of the Long Thanh Project
The Long Thanh International Airport project is massive, boasting a total investment of approximately VND336.63 trillion (around $14.12 billion). The project has been designed in three distinct phases:
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Phase One: This initial phase, costing VND110 trillion, will feature a runway, a terminal, and auxiliary facilities designed to accommodate up to 25 million passengers annually. Construction began in 2021, with an expected opening date in 2025.
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Phase Two: Set for completion by 2050, this phase aims to increase the airport’s capacity to 50 million passengers per year.
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Phase Three: This final stage is set to exponentially double the airport’s capacity to 100 million passengers annually.
The Terminal Package: Largest Component
The terminal itself represents the most substantial investment within the first phase, requiring VND35.23 trillion ($1.49 billion) and anticipated to take about 33 months to complete. This makes it a focal point not only for the Long Thanh project but also for Vietnam’s future aviation development.
Bidding History and Challenges
ACV first called for tenders for this terminal package back in September 2022. However, the initial round yielded only a single bid from a consortium of local firms—including Coteccons, Vinaconex, Centra, Phuc Hung Holdings, REE, Hoa Binh Construction, and Hawee—which ultimately failed to meet the requirements, leading to the tender’s cancellation in December.
Recognizing the challenges, ACV announced an extension for the second round of bidding to June 12, 2023, moving it from the original date of April 28.
International Interest in the Project
Interestingly, in May 2023, Turkish private conglomerate IC Holding expressed interest in the terminal package. The company boasts experience in executing mega projects across various countries, including Russia and Saudi Arabia. Their involvement would mark a significant step toward introducing more foreign investment and expertise into Vietnam’s infrastructure sector.
A National Priority
The Long Thanh International Airport has been classified as a project of national importance. This designation aligns with Vietnam’s recently approved national airport plan for 2021-2030, which envisions an expansive airport network by 2050. Its establishment is expected to not only boost domestic travel but also enhance Vietnam’s position on the global aviation map.
Visualizing the Future
The construction site is strategically positioned next to the Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway in Dong Nai province. The scale and impact of this project are poised to redefine travel and logistics in Vietnam, amplifying opportunities for growth and development in the region.
The Long Thanh project, with its complex dynamics and substantial financial backing, stands as a beacon of Vietnam’s aspirations to modernize its infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and connect more effectively with the broader global community.