Long Thanh Airport Construction Site Faces Labor Shortage of Up to 2,000 Workers

The construction site of Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, is facing a significant labor shortage. While over 7,100 direct workers are currently employed, a deficit of 1,500 to 2,000 individuals is reported, particularly in construction packages for the passenger terminal and internal airport roads. According to a project progress report released by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) on July 20, the third component project, which includes essential airport facilities, has achieved approximately 78% of its contractual progress. The main construction and installation packages are nearing 70% completion. However, as the project enters its final sprint, the average of 7,170 direct workers is proving insufficient. ACV has instructed contractors to increase the direct workforce to nearly 9,000 and supplement indirect personnel to expedite construction, equipment installation, acceptance testing, and documentation. The passenger terminal, considered the "heart" of Long Thanh Airport, has seen its construction progress exceed 77%. Work includes wall construction and plastering, waterproofing, painting, tiling, installation of ceilings and partitions, interior fitting, and landscaping. This section is slated for completion in September to facilitate trial operations, aiming for the airport's khai thác (operation) by December 1. Beyond labor shortages, the rainy season is also significantly impacting construction progress, especially for outdoor works. Past experience, such as a 2-4 month delay in some tasks during the 2025 rainy season, highlights the challenge. To mitigate these effects, ACV requires contractors to implement appropriate progress management, prioritize indoor work during heavy rain, secure necessary materials and labor, install drainage systems and backup pumps, and flexibly adjust work plans according to weather conditions. Power and water supply for construction and airport operations are in their final stages. ACV is coordinating with Dong Nai Water Company to ensure water supply to various units. The power supply from the 110 kV substation has been successfully energized to the airport's receiving station. Spanning approximately 5,000 hectares with a total investment of nearly $16 billion, Long Thanh International Airport's first phase is designed to handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually. Its planned khai thác (operation) by the end of this year is expected to alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and serve as a catalyst for regional development. Under ACV's proposed khai thác (operation) division plan, Long Thanh will manage all international flights exceeding 1,000 km, irregular international flights, and new international routes not accommodated by Tan Son Nhat. For domestic routes, Vietnamese airlines will have the autonomy to choose khai thác (operation) at Long Thanh based on their needs.