Long Thanh Airport Project Faces 1,500-2,000 Worker Shortage, Rainy Season Delays

The ambitious Long Thanh airport project in Vietnam is grappling with a significant labor shortage, with a deficit of 1,500 to 2,000 workers, jeopardizing its timely completion. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the project owner, reported that the overall value of work completed has reached approximately 77.85% of the signed contracts. Key construction packages are nearing 70% completion, but the lack of personnel is a major bottleneck.

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The entire project is short of 1,500 - 2,000 workers.

To address the shortfall, ACV is urging contractors to mobilize additional staff, aiming to bring the total number of direct workers to 9,000, supported by indirect personnel. This push is crucial as the project enters a critical construction phase. The current workforce averages 7,170 direct workers.

Compounding the labor issue, the project is contending with the challenges of the rainy season. ACV has implemented specific measures to mitigate weather impacts, including scientific scheduling that prioritizes indoor work during heavy rainfall, establishing effective drainage systems with pumps, and closely monitoring weather forecasts to adapt construction plans. Despite these efforts, the rainy season has already caused delays of 2-4 months in 2025, particularly affecting outdoor construction activities.

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To ensure progress, ACV is resolutely requiring contractors to mobilize more personnel, aiming for 9,000 direct workers and supporting indirect staff to accelerate internal work and complete documentation.

The ACV anticipates that the upcoming peak rainy season could further impact outdoor work, infrastructure, and material transport. The project team, including contractors and supervisors, has developed contingency plans to manage these weather-related challenges, focusing on safety and minimizing adverse effects. The airport is targeted for operation by the end of 2026.

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In the rainy season of 2025, construction progress was delayed by 2 - 4 months due to the direct impact of the weather, especially affecting the progress of outdoor construction items.