Resources allocated for two national key projects

Dong Nai City is seeking the allocation of resources for the early implementation of two major national infrastructure projects: Phase 2 of the Long Thanh International Airport Project and the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau railway.

Once completed, these projects are expected to accelerate the development of an aviation-centered economic ecosystem and strengthen regional connectivity with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces.

The Bien Hoa - Vung Tau railway line will share the safety corridor with the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway. Photo: Pham Tung

Sustaining double-digit economic growth

Under the approved master plan, Long Thanh International Airport will become Vietnam’s largest airport upon full completion, with an annual capacity of 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo. The project is being developed in three phases, with Phase 1 scheduled to begin commercial operations by the end of 2026. Originally planned for completion before 2035, Phase 2 is now considered increasingly urgent amid the country’s new growth trajectory.

In 2025, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) proposed the early implementation of investment in Phase 2 of the project. According to ACV, the Long Thanh Airport Phase 1 passenger terminal has a design capacity of 25 million passenger arrivals and departures per year. When Long Thanh Airport Phase 1 becomes operational, international passenger traffic is forecast to reach 20 million arrivals and departures per year. Therefore, investment in Phase 2 of the project should be implemented immediately after Phase 1 is put into operation.

In a submission to the 15th National Assembly during its 10th session, the Government noted that starting construction of the third runway, part of Phase 2, immediately after Phase 1 would allow contractors to utilize existing labor forces and equipment, reducing costs, shortening implementation time, and improving overall investment efficiency. Early construction would also minimize disruptions such as dust and noise during airport operations.

In late 2025, at the same session, the Government proposed amendments to National Assembly Resolution No. 94/2015/QH13 on the investment policy for Long Thanh International Airport. The proposal would authorize the Government to approve the feasibility study for Phase 2 without requiring additional approval from the National Assembly.

According to the submission, although the Phase 1 feasibility study initially envisioned Phase 2 development during the 2028–2032 period, the Government now believes earlier implementation is necessary. With Vietnam targeting sustained double-digit GDP growth from 2026 onward, passenger demand at airports, particularly Long Thanh, is expected to increase more rapidly than previously forecast.

Meanwhile, the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Railway is included in the national railway network development plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister. The railway is designed to connect Long Thanh International Airport with the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep-water port complex, creating a major logistics corridor linking air and maritime transportation networks.

During a working session on May 18, led by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, the Standing Board of the Dong Nai City Party Committee, and city leaders formally requested that the Government prioritize resources for both projects.

According to Nguyen Van Ut, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the Dong Nai City People’s Committee, the projects will maximize the operational effectiveness of Long Thanh Airport while enhancing regional connectivity among Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, and surrounding localities.

Government reviewing Dong Nai’s proposal

Under the approved investment policy and planning, Phase 2 of the Long Thanh International Airport Project is expected to include investment in one runway, the third runway, one passenger terminal with a capacity of 25 million passengers per year, and synchronized facilities to meet operational demand.

In Phase 2, the Long Thanh Airport Project is expected to invest in building an additional terminal with a capacity of 25 million passengers per year. Photo: Pham Tung

Meanwhile, the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Railway is planned to extend approximately 132 kilometers, beginning at Trang Bom Station in Dong Nai City and ending at Vung Tau Station in Ho Chi Minh City. Passenger trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, while freight trains will run at 120 km/h.

According to Tran Hong Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Construction, for Phase 2 of the Long Thanh Airport Project, in accordance with the Government's decentralization, the Ministry of Construction has assigned ACV to carry out investment preparation. Meanwhile, for the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Railway Line Project, the Ministry of Construction has assigned the Railway Project Management Board to prepare the pre-feasibility study report for the project.

In Conclusion No. 69-TB/VPTW, dated May 26, 2026, from the Office of the Party Central Committee, announcing the conclusions of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam at the working session with the Standing Board of the Dong Nai City Party Committee, relevant ministries and agencies have been instructed to review and address Dong Nai City’s proposals within their authority. These include requests for resource allocation to national key projects, particularly Phase 2 of the Long Thanh International Airport Project and the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Railway.

By Pham Tung – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho