The first three days of Tet witnessed significant disruptions to air travel in Ho Chi Minh City. Sixty percent of over 1,100 flights at Tan Son Nhat International Airport faced delays, which were attributed to heightened travel demand, specifically during this initial period of Tet, Vietnam’s most significant holiday season.
In response to the challenging situation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a decisive call to action. He urged ministries, sectors, contractors, and relevant parties to accelerate the construction of Terminal 3 (T3) at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Recognizing the urgency, the Prime Minister set a deadline for completion by April 30, 2025, aligning with the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day.
During an on-site inspection on February 12, coinciding with the third day of the first lunar month, the Prime Minister directed contractors to reschedule work progress, mobilize vehicles, equipment, and human resources, emphasizing the need to enhance construction processes for quicker project completion.
Additionally, he instructed the municipal authority and competent sides to collaborate seamlessly for the smooth construction of supporting facilities, including improved transport connections with nearby areas and Long Thanh International Airport.
T3, with a total cost of VND11 trillion ($450.36 million), is poised to become the largest domestic passenger terminal. With a capacity of 20 million passengers annually, the ability to handle 7,000 passengers per hour during peak times, and accommodation for all types of aircraft, T3 is a vital solution to alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The design includes four floors, one basement, 90 counters, 27 boarding gates, and 25 security gates.
Addressing project challenges, bottlenecks were successfully removed, shaping a modern terminal after six months of construction. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) reported the deployment of nearly 1,400 engineers and workers, 16 tower cranes, and essential equipment to the construction site during peak times, ensuring progress aligned with the established schedule.
Upon completion, Terminal 3 is expected to play a pivotal role in relieving congestion at the country’s largest airport, providing a smoother and more efficient air travel experience for the growing number of passengers traveling to and from Ho Chi Minh City. The Prime Minister’s proactive approach underscores the commitment to address immediate challenges and enhance the overall aviation infrastructure for the benefit of the people.