14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM

First technical flight safely lands at Vietnam’s US$16-billion international airport

Anh Kiet

Dec 16, 2025 / 08:45 AM

Long Thanh International Airport in Vietnam's southern province of Dong Nai, with an investment of more than US$16 billion, is expected to welcome 25 million passengers each year once operational.

THE HANOI TIMES — A Boeing 787-9 aircraft operated by Vietnam Airlines from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City safely landed at Long Thanh International Airport at 3:58 PM on December 15.

This marks the success of the newly-built airport’s first technical flight ahead of its official opening scheduled for December 19.

Hình ảnh 1 — A Boeing 787-9 aircraft of Vietnam Airlines lands safely at Long Thanh International Airport in a test flight on December 15. Photo: VNA

The plane was greeted with a traditional water salute then towed by specialized vehicles to its parking stand, where routine procedures were carried out as same as a commercial flight.

Long Thanh International Airport is planned to receive its first official flights on December 19, when three aircrafts operated by three different airlines will depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, land sequentially at Long Thanh and then return to Noi Bai.

To prepare for the limestone, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh last weekend requested stakeholders to speed up the construction of Long Thanh International Airport to make it ready for the first flight and commercial operations in the first half of 2026.

During his trip to inspect the project’s construction site, the Government leader expressed satisfaction that the first sub-project is nearing completion and expected to be ready by December 19, while the second is in the finishing stage, with equipment being installed to serve the first flight on schedule.

Chinh urged accelerating the completion of the third and fourth sub-projects, which cover ground service facilities.

He praised the units’ dedication and encouraged round-the-clock work, including nights and weekends, to speed up progress while ensuring quality, safety and environmental standards for the project.

The prime minister called on the military, particularly Military Region 7 and local units, to provide support, and urged the police to strengthen security and order in the construction site.

After inspecting the progress of roads leading to the Long Thanh International Airport, Chinh assigned specific responsibilities to ministries, localities and enterprises, expressing his belief that the airport and its supporting infrastructure will meet international standards.

Covering over 5,000 hectares in Long Thanh Commune, the airport project has been divided into three phases. Construction of the first phase, estimated to cost $5.4 billion, began in 2020. Basic construction is set for completion in 2025, with commercial operations expected in the first half of 2026

Once being put into operation, the airport is expected to welcome 25 million passengers and handle 1.2 million tons of cargo each year.

PM requests emergency in house rebuilding for flood-hit residents

14 Dec, 20:25

The Government leader has called the mission a mandate from the heart, urging all authorities to act as a moral commitment to the people.

TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 reinforces innovation’s role in powering next growth phase

14 Dec, 07:51

It is Vietnam's largest annual festival for innovative startups, highlighting inclusive innovation, encouraging technology commercialization and the development of new products to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy.

Innovation becomes core driver of national development: Vietnam PM

14 Dec, 07:34

Innovation is the inevitable path for Vietnam's rapid and sustainable development, building an independent and self-reliant economy that is deeply integrated into the international community.

Hanoi’s Party chief outlines agenda at voter meeting

The candidates pledge institutional reform, infrastructure upgrades and a stronger focus on science, technology and public services as the capital prepares for the 16th National Assembly term.

28 Feb, 06:00 PM

Young generation steps up to power climate action

As climate risks intensify across Southeast Asia, young people are being called upon to move from awareness to action, harnessing technology, creativity and policy engagement to accelerate environmental solutions.

26 Feb, 06:32 PM

Hanoi positions itself at forefront of implementing key Party resolutions

The three resolutions on education, healthcare reform and cultural development are closely interconnected and mutually reinforcing, all directed toward building a capital that is cultured, civilized, modern and happy.

25 Feb, 03:48 PM

Party Chief urges stronger state economy and cultural drive

Developing the state economy and Vietnamese culture forms the twin pillars of a unified development strategy, one strengthening material capacity, the other reinforcing cultural and social resilience.

25 Feb, 03:19 PM

Putting people first: Making happiness Hanoi’s measure of success

A central message of the 14th National Party Congress and the 18th Congress of the Hanoi Party Organization (2025-2030) is that people’s happiness must be at the core of development. All policies be grounded in citizens’ legitimate rights and interests, with public satisfaction serving as the ultimate measure of success.

24 Feb, 11:34 AM