December 19, 2025 –Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) solemnly held the Inauguration Ceremony to officially commission key national aviation infrastructure projects across the three regions of the country: Long Thanh International Airport, Noi Bai International Airport, and Vinh International Airport.

This series of events marks a historic step forward for ACV in realizing the aspiration to reach global standards, affirming its capability to master technology, and demonstrating readiness to meet the robust growth demands of the aviation industry ahead of the new year, 2026.

1. Long Thanh International Airport: Inauguration of Main Items and Launch of First Flight

In Dong Nai, ACV officially inaugurated construction components and launched the first flight at Long Thanh International Airport, a key national project designed to ICAO Level 4F standards (the highest level). This project stands as a symbol of the nation’s strong aspirations for ascent in a new era of development.

The event was attended by Mr. Nguyen Hoa Binh –Deputy Prime Minister, alongside representatives from central ministries and sectors. Representing Dong Nai province were Mr. Vu Hong Van –Head of the Provincial Delegation of National Assembly Deputies, among other dignitaries.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh and Head of the Provincial Delegation of National Assembly Deputies Vu Hong Van, alongside delegates attending the ceremony

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, Secretary of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee Vu Hong Van, and delegates perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Long Thanh International Airport projects

Overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties regarding site clearance, and driven by a spirit of "overcoming sun and rain," the project has achieved impressive progress milestones. Airside components, including the runway, taxiways, and aprons, have been completed and successfully welcomed the first technical flight using a wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft on December 15, 2025. The passenger terminal and connecting traffic infrastructure are currently in the finishing stages, ready for commercial operation in the first half of 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Vu The Phiet –Chairman of ACV, stated that alongside the Government's direction, the achievement is due to the immense, persistent, and silent efforts of the investor, contractors, the leadership of Dong Nai province and local authorities; and particularly the people of the project area, those who shared, consented, and sacrificed personal benefits for the common national interest. He also expressed gratitude to the press and media agencies for accompanying the project and providing timely coverage.

Chairman of ACV Vu The Phiet speaking at the ceremony

Long Thanh International Airport is defined as a "Smart – Green Airport" meeting international 5-star standards, featuring breakthrough technological highlights mastered by ACV, including:

• Seamless Digital Journey: The application of Biometrics from check-in and Self Bag Drop to immigration, allowing passengers to travel without traditional identification documents.
• Smart Operations System: A Smart Airport Operations Center (APOC) and a state-of-the-art Baggage Handling System (BHS), directly connected to the national population database.

2. Noi Bai International Airport: Inauguration of T2 International Terminal Expansion – A Symbol of "Smart Connection – Convenient Journey"

In the capital city of Hanoi, the T2 International Passenger Terminal Expansion Project was officially inaugurated after 18 months of rapid construction, finishing on schedule to relieve pressure on the largest aviation gateway in the North.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh and delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the expansion of the T2 International Terminal – Noi Bai International Airport

The project increases the total terminal floor area to over 200,000 m², raising the operating capacity from 10 million to 15 million passengers per year (with the potential to serve up to 18 million), while nearly doubling the number of boarding gates and aerobridges.

Beyond infrastructure expansion, the expanded T2 Terminal pioneers the synchronized deployment of the first digital technology ecosystem (Smart Airport) in Vietnam, featuring automated immigration lanes and biometric security controls. The architecture bears a distinct "Green Architecture" imprint, delicately combining indigenous culture with ecological space, elevating the passenger experience to the level of advanced airports worldwide.

3. Vinh International Airport: Synchronous Upgrade of Runway and Passenger Terminal

In Nghe An, ACV inaugurated the Project for the repair of the runway and taxiway, and the Project for the renovation of the Domestic Passenger Terminal at Vinh International Airport. This represents ACV's effort to meet the increasing trade and tourism demands of the North Central region and to fulfill President Ho Chi Minh's instructions to the aviation industry.

Delegates perform the inauguration ceremony for the upgrade items at Vinh International Airport

After five months of continuous construction, the project has completed the concrete surfacing of the entire runway, treated weak soil foundations, and upgraded the signal lighting system, ensuring absolute safety for flight operations. Simultaneously, the passenger terminal was expanded by an additional 1,200 m², raising capacity to 3 million passengers per year with modern equipment.

ACV is also continuing to implement the expansion of the apron and the extension of the runway to 3,000 meters, striving to complete the subsequent items before the Lunar New Year to serve the people.

The simultaneous inauguration of three major projects on the same day is clear evidence of ACV's leading role in investing, managing, and operating the national airport network. With a new appearance and position, ACV is committed to continuing its mission of connectivity, promoting socio-economic development, and elevating Vietnam's image globally.

News and photos: Airports Corporation of Vietnam