Vietnam’s Long Thanh International Airport project is facing a major investigation after government inspectors found several problems during the first phase of construction. The inspection report showed possible violations related to contracts, subcontractors, payments, and construction management.
Long Thanh Airport is one of Vietnam’s most important infrastructure projects. The airport is being built to become a new international gateway for the country and reduce pressure on Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The first phase of the project includes a passenger terminal, two runways, and other important facilities. When completed, the first phase will be able to serve around 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo every year.
Government Inspection Finds Several Problems
The Government Inspectorate reviewed the construction process and found problems in different parts of the project. Some contractors were accused of transferring work to other companies without official approval. Inspectors also found issues with some construction documents, equipment checks, and material information.
One of the biggest concerns was illegal subcontracting. According to the inspection, some contracts worth billions of Vietnamese dong were given to other companies without following the required bidding rules.
Main Issues Found During the Inspection
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
|
Illegal Subcontracting |
Some construction work was transferred to other companies without official approval. |
|
Contract Problems |
Several construction packages had problems with management procedures and contract processes. |
|
Material Information |
Some documents did not clearly include product brands or material origins. |
|
Equipment Checks |
Some equipment inspections were incomplete or had expired certificates. |
|
Insurance Issues |
Some required construction insurance documents were missing. |
Problems Found in Major Construction Packages
The inspection focused on several important construction packages at Long Thanh Airport. These packages included work on the air traffic control tower, passenger terminal, and supporting facilities. In some cases, contractors worked with other companies without receiving the necessary approval. Inspectors said this practice did not follow Vietnam’s bidding regulations.
The passenger terminal package was also reviewed. The package is being built by the Vietur consortium, a group of 10 companies led by Turkey-based IC Ictas Group. Inspectors found that some parts of the work were transferred to other companies without following official procedures.
XD01
Main Work Area
Foundation work for the air traffic control tower.
XD02
Main Work Area
Tower construction and related airport facilities.
Package 5.10
Main Work Area
Construction of the main passenger terminal building.
ACV and VATM Face Questions Over Project Management
The inspection also raised concerns about the role of major project management organizations. Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) were among the organizations mentioned in the report.
Inspectors said some procedures related to contractor selection, payments, quality control, and contract management were not completed correctly. Some payments and advance payments were also reviewed during the investigation. Authorities said they are checking whether these actions followed the required legal procedures.
ACV
Airport ManagementMain organization responsible for airport development and construction management.
VATM
Air Traffic SystemsResponsible for air traffic management facilities and related systems.
Contractors
Construction WorkCompanies responsible for building airport structures and supporting systems.
Consulting Companies
Technical SupportProvide technical advice, design support, and construction services.
Police Investigation Continues
Inspection Findings
Authorities reviewed possible violations related to bidding rules, payments, and project management.
Legal Review
Police are examining the actions of company leaders, project managers, and related individuals.
Project Continues
The investigation does not stop airport construction. Preparation work continues while authorities complete the legal process.
Long Thanh Airport Remains a Key National Project
Despite the investigation, Long Thanh Airport remains one of Vietnam’s largest development projects. The airport covers about 5,000 hectares and has an investment budget of around VND337 trillion. The project is expected to improve Vietnam’s aviation capacity and support tourism, trade, and international connections.
5,000
Hectares of project area
VND337 Trillion
Total investment budget
25 Million
Passengers in first phase
