Long Thanh Airport Expected to Recover Investment Sooner Than Planned

The Long Thanh Airport project is now expected to recover its investment in just 14 years, instead of the originally projected 20 years. This information was announced by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) at the end of June 2025.

ACV’s leadership believes that Long Thanh Airport could recover its investment sooner than expected

Positive Progress in Project Implementation

Currently, about 40% of the construction work in phase one has been completed. Key components such as the runway, passenger terminal, and control tower are being accelerated. The goal is to begin trial operations by the end of 2026. Total investment for phase one is approximately USD 5 billion. The airport is designed to handle around 25 million passengers per year.

Faster Payback Thanks to High International Passenger Volume

According to Mr. Vu The Phiet – General Director of ACV – the project could break even within 14 years. The main reason is a higher-than-expected growth in international passenger traffic. Once operational, Long Thanh could receive 15–16 million international passengers annually. This figure far exceeds initial forecasts. The high passenger volume will help boost revenue from aviation and non-aviation services.

Strategic Partnership with Incheon Airport (South Korea)

ACV has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Incheon Airport to share operational expertise. Incheon is considered one of the best airports in Asia. The partnership enables Long Thanh to adopt advanced management models. Non-aeronautical services such as retail and dining will be optimized. This helps increase revenue and shorten the time needed to recover investment.

Optimized Operations Model – Lower Costs

Long Thanh will operate as an international transit hub. This model enables efficient connections between Southeast Asia and other regions. International airlines will be encouraged to launch new routes. Optimizing transit flow will improve seat occupancy rates. At the same time, management costs will be better controlled.

Positive Impact on Regional Economy

Long Thanh Airport is a major growth driver for the Southern Key Economic Region. Industrial zones, urban areas, and service hubs around the airport will grow rapidly. Many new jobs will be created during the operational phase. Local economies will develop sustainably, supported by strong transport infrastructure. This also helps Vietnam attract more foreign investment.

Relieving Pressure on Tan Son Nhat Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport is currently overloaded, causing delays and inconvenience for travelers. Once Long Thanh is operational, the burden will be significantly reduced. International flights will gradually be shifted to Long Thanh. This allows Tan Son Nhat to focus more effectively on domestic routes.

ACV has not yet needed to use loans for projects such as Long Thanh Airport or Tan Son Nhat Terminal T3.

Early Payback Is a Positive Signal

Recovering investment earlier than expected shows the effectiveness of public investment. Long Thanh is not only a transportation project. It is a catalyst for long-term national economic growth. Confidence in large infrastructure projects will be strengthened. Investors will be more interested in similar PPP or BOT models.

Conclusion

Long Thanh Airport’s early payback marks a major step forward for Vietnam’s aviation industry. The project brings significant benefits in terms of economy, connectivity, and investment. Timely operation and rapid capital recovery will lay a solid foundation for the future. Vietnam is moving closer to its goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.