The Development of Long Thanh International Airport and its Impact on Regional Infrastructure

Overview of Long Thanh International Airport

The Long Thanh International Airport project is set to become Vietnam’s premier air gateway, replacing Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport as the largest in the country. Covering an impressive 5,000 hectares, the airport aims to accommodate the soaring demand for air travel, with an initial phase projected to handle 25 million passengers annually by its completion. This ambitious venture is backed by a staggering estimated investment of approximately $13.28 billion, with the first phase expected to be operational by 2026.

The 187-Hectare Plot

A notable development in this significant project is the 187-hectare area specifically designated for the second phase of the Long Thanh International Airport. This area is part of a larger 1,800-hectare plot, originally belonging to the Dong Nai Rubber Corporation. Due to the strategic importance of this land for airport construction, it has been withdrawn from corporate ownership and is now under the purview of the provincial government.

Allocation Challenges

Despite the strategic plans in place, the second phase of the Long Thanh Airport has not yet received approval from the relevant authorities. This delay has led to uncertainty about allocating the land to key stakeholders, including the Southern Airports Authority, the state-owned Airports Corporation of Vietnam, and the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation.

In light of these challenges, the Dong Nai Department of Natural Resources and Environment reported a change in plans regarding the use of the 187-hectare area. Instead of serving solely as a fill material site for the airport’s future terminal, the land will now be utilized for the construction of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway.

Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway

Commencing in mid-June 2023, the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway project entails a significant investment of over VND 17.8 trillion and stretches nearly 54 kilometers with accommodations for 4 to 6 lanes. This new expressway will forge a vital link between the industrial city of Bien Hoa in Dong Nai Province and the coastal city of Vung Tau in Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province.

Cost-Effective Land Use

One compelling reason for repurposing the land for the expressway is to reduce construction costs. Utilizing the fill material from the Long Thanh site is expected to lower expenses significantly, enhancing the efficiency and feasibility of the expressway project. Currently, this 187-hectare plot is managed by the Dong Nai Land Development Fund Center, which oversees its utilization for construction projects.

Impact on Regional Transportation

The Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway is one of three crucial transportation projects aimed at meeting the urgent infrastructure demands of Vietnam’s southern economic region, which includes Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, as well as surrounding provinces such as Binh Duong, Tay Ninh, and Binh Phuoc.

At present, National Highway 51 is the sole route connecting Bien Hoa and Vung Tau, often resulting in traffic congestion and extended travel times. Once operational, the expressway is anticipated to reduce travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau from two hours to just 70 minutes, significantly enhancing mobility for residents and tourists alike.

Soil Acquisition for Construction

The expressway project will require an estimated 5.3 million cubic meters of soil for its construction. While some of this soil will be sourced from the Long Thanh airport site, Dong Nai authorities are also working on permitting soil acquisition from additional local mines, such as Tan Cang and Phuoc Binh, to meet the project’s demands.

Collaborative Management

The Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway comprises three sections: the first 16 km is overseen by Dong Nai Province, the second 18.2 km is managed by the Ministry of Transport, and the final 19.5 km is being constructed by Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province. Local authorities are actively engaged in site clearance efforts to facilitate this expansive infrastructure initiative.

Visualizing Progress

As evidenced by recent developments on-site, trucks are actively transporting soil to prepare a robust foundation for the expressway. Photographs capturing this stage of construction highlight the momentum of the project and its significance for regional connectivity.

By embracing innovative land usage and laying the groundwork for improved transportation links, the Long Thanh International Airport and the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway exemplify Vietnam’s growing commitment to modernize its infrastructure in alignment with the dynamic demands of economic growth.