The request, submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee right after the Dec. 2 parliamentary session, seeks to adjust a resolution on investment policies governing the airport megaproject, which is set to replace Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City as the major international air hub in southern Vietnam.

A view of the passenger terminal of Long Thanh International Airport which is under construction in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam.

Although the 2014 Law on Public Investment lets the Prime Minister approve national-important projects without returning to the National Assembly, Long Thanh’s unprecedented scale led lawmakers to require separate feasibility studies for each phase to be sent back for review.

The government argues that precedent has already shifted. In 2024, the National Assembly allowed it to approve adjustments to the phase 1 feasibility study.

Applying the same rule to phase 2, officials say, would be legally consistent, align with Vietnam’s broader decentralization push and shave months off the investment-preparation timeline.

Phase 2 includes the airport’s third runway, a second passenger terminal designed for 25 million passengers a year, and a suite of supporting facilities. Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is expected to remain the lead investor for essential works.

While initial plans scheduled phase 2 for 2028–2032, new growth scenarios are reshaping the timeline. With GDP potentially hitting double-digit growth from 2026 and passenger traffic rising faster than earlier projections, officials say the need for capacity expansion will arrive sooner than expected.

Starting early would also let contractors reuse thousands of workers, machinery and materials already mobilized for phase 1, saving costs, shortening construction time and reducing environmental impacts during the transition.

The proposal cites guidance from the Party Central Committee and the National Assembly, both urging early preparation for phase 2 to ensure Long Thanh’s long-term master plan stays on track.

A review by the National Assembly’s Economic and Budget Committee found the government’s request legally sound and in line with assigned mandates, supporting a streamlined process for appraisal and investment decisions.

The committee agreed with the proposal but emphasized that the government must remain fully responsible for the progress, quality and effectiveness of the second phase.

Long Thanh Airport in Dong Nai Province, around 40 km from HCMC, spans 5,000 hectares and carries a total investment nearing VND337 trillion ($12.78 billion).

The first runway and taxiway network are now complete; the passenger terminal has finished its roof installation and is adding glass panels; and the air-traffic control tower and operating facilities are entering the finishing stage.

Around 14,000 engineers and workers, along with 3,000 pieces of equipment, are currently on site, with phase 1 targeted for substantial completion by late 2025.

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