Test runs begin on equipment and systems at Long Thanh Airport

In recent days, alongside efforts to mobilize personnel, machinery and equipment to accelerate construction of the Long Thanh International Airport project, relevant units have also conducted test runs on several pieces of equipment and systems at the site.

Relevant units conduct a drill simulating a fuel leak during aircraft refueling at Long Thanh Airport. Photo: Pham Tung

Contractor consortiums have mobilized thousands of workers, along with machinery and equipment, to accelerate construction of key airport project packages, including the passenger terminal, airside transport system and technical infrastructure, Cargo Terminal No. 1 and its auxiliary facilities, and the parking structure.

At the passenger terminal, contractors are prioritizing resources to complete the central area and Western wing. They are installing check-in counters and creating landscaping features. Test runs have also been conducted on escalators, the baggage handling system, screening machines and passenger boarding bridges that have been installed.

On September 29, relevant units conducted a drill simulating a fuel leak during aircraft refueling at Long Thanh Airport. The exercise allowed participating forces to practice detecting and reporting the incident, securing the affected area and coordinating their response. It also helped review emergency procedures and further refine preparations for airport operations.

That evening, all airfield lighting systems and signage along Runway No. 1 were switched on. Initial results showed that the systems were operating stably, marking an important step in preparations for the airport's commercial operation by the end of this year. The lighting and signage systems extend along the full 4km length of Runway No. 1 and cover 1.8km of approach apron areas at both ends, with each approach area measuring 900m.

According to the plan, Long Thanh Airport is scheduled to begin commercial operations in December 2026. Trial operations are expected to take place from October to November 2026.

According to Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), Component Project 3, covering essential airport facilities, comprises 16 major construction packages. Four of these packages have been completed, while the remaining packages are still underway. As of early September 2026, cumulative implementation value across the 16 packages had exceeded 80% of their contract value, excluding cost contingency.

By Pham Tung - Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha