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Vietnam's Long Thanh Airport Races Against Clock to Meet December Deadline

Vietnam's new Long Thanh International Airport faces significant headwinds as it pushes toward its December opening, contending with workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions and mounting financial pressures. Industry observers question whether the major transport hub can deliver on schedule.

LSN Malaysia · 8 October 2026

Vietnam's Long Thanh Airport Races Against Clock to Meet December Deadline

Long Thanh International Airport, slated to become Vietnam's largest aviation facility, is battling multiple obstacles that threaten to derail its planned December launch. The project, situated near Ho Chi Minh City, has encountered persistent labour shortages and difficulties securing building materials, compounding delivery challenges.

Payment delays to contractors have further complicated the construction timeline, while escalating costs continue to strain project finances. These cumulative pressures have raised concerns among stakeholders about the feasibility of meeting the target opening date.

The airport represents a critical infrastructure investment for Vietnam, designed to alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and accommodate the country's growing air traffic demands. Its completion is expected to enhance regional connectivity and support economic growth in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

Project authorities have not publicly disclosed contingency plans should delays prove unavoidable, leaving uncertainty about potential revised timelines. The situation underscores broader supply chain and labour market challenges affecting large-scale infrastructure projects across the region.