Vietnam’s Long Thành International Airport, under construction since 2022, represents the country’s most ambitious and expensive infrastructure project, with a total investment of US$16 billion. Scheduled for full completion by 2050, the airport will be located in Đồng Nai Province, about 40 kilometers east of Hồ Chí Minh City, and is set to replace Tân Sơn Nhất as Vietnam’s largest and busiest airport. The project is designed to transform Vietnam into a major aviation hub for Southeast Asia, significantly boosting regional connectivity and serving as a gateway for both domestic and international travel.
The financing structure highlights Vietnam’s commitment to both international and local partnerships. Roughly 5% of funding comes from public investment, 40% from domestic private capital, and the remaining 55% from foreign direct investment.
The project is divided into three phases. Phase one, scheduled for completion in 2026, includes a runway and terminal capable of handling 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, at a cost of US$4.1 billion. Phase two will add a second runway and terminal, expanding capacity to 50 million passengers per year. The final phase will fully scale the airport to four runways and four terminals, with a total capacity of 100 million passengers annually, making it one of the world’s largest airports.
The airport’s design is a unique one. Conceived by South Korea’s Heerim Architects, the terminal is inspired by the lotus flower, a national symbol of Vietnam. The design was chosen after evaluation by experts, professional associations, and the Vietnamese public, praised for harmoniously integrating cultural elements with modern functionality. Heerim has also been awarded supervision responsibilities, showcasing its ability to provide integrated design and construction management services.
Arup, the global engineering consultancy, is leading the structural and civil engineering design aspect. The part involves complex geometric and structural challenges, requiring iterative and rationalized design processes. Sustainability and climate resilience have been central to the planning, alongside passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Covering 5,000 hectares, with a terminal building of 372,000 square meters, Long Thành will rival leading global airports in size and scale. Alongside the airport, supporting infrastructure includes a 38-kilometer light rail connection to Thủ Thiêm, just east of Hồ Chí Minh City, and future integration with a north–south high-speed railway.
Construction involves a consortium of Vietnamese companies, including Vinaconex, Ricons, Newtecons, Sol E&C, and Hanoi Construction Corporation. Work on the runway began in late 2023 following calls from Vietnam’s prime minister to accelerate progress.
When completed, Long Thành International Airport will not only redefine Vietnam’s aviation industry but also stand as a symbol of the nation’s modernization and its emergence as a major player in Southeast Asia’s infrastructure and transportation network.
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