Authority proposes delaying Long Thanh airport catering, ground-handling projects
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed pushing the completion deadline for six service projects at Long Thanh International Airport to Dec. 24, the airport's scheduled opening day.
The Vietnam Authority for Civil Aviation (CAAV) has petitioned the Ministry of Construction to adjust the schedule for several Long Thanh Airport infrastructure projects in Dong Nai City. These projects, part of the airport's initial construction phase, were initially due for completion by August 31, but only two have progressed to installing equipment. The remaining four projects remain in their initial stages, encompassing the first catering facility, ground handling center, and three maintenance facilities.
According to the CAAV, the delays stem from overwhelming workloads, shortages of labor and materials, and volatile fuel prices. Additionally, shipping delays for specialized imported equipment have disrupted the timeline. The CAAV also noted that inadequate common technical infrastructure on the airport grounds has impeded contractors from setting up work areas, constructing access roads, and linking to utility services.
The aviation authority stressed that December 24 is the last chance to finalize construction and equipment installation before the airport is set to begin operations at midnight. The airport, covering about 5,000 hectares, is projected to cost VND336.63 trillion (US$13.16 billion) and is designed to alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat Airport, located 40 kilometers west.
The first phase of the mega-project includes a single runway and passenger terminal with a yearly passenger capacity of 25 million and cargo handling of 1.2 million tons.
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