Graphic images of Long Thành International Airport. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has signed an official dispatch demanding ministries and agencies speed up the Long Thành International Airport project, which is lagging behind schedule.

The dispatch was sent to the ministers of transport, planning and investment, construction, natural resources and environment, public security, national defence, finance, and agriculture and rural development; the chairperson of the Committee for Management of State Capital at Enterprises (CMSC); the chairperson of the Đồng Nai provincial People’s Committee; and the director general of the Airports Corporation of Việt Nam.

It noted that the project is of national importance and its schedule and completion target has been set by the National Assembly. The Government and the PM highly valued efforts by relevant ministries, sectors, the Đồng Nai People’s Committee, and other agencies in resolving difficulties and obstacles during the project implementation, especially the site clearance and resettlement for Phase 1.

However, the main sub-projects are lagging behind schedule. Given this, it is necessary to clarify causes and responsibilities of relevant parties while taking quick solutions to accelerate the project.

The PM requested investors of sub-projects, the Transport Ministry, the CMSC, and related agencies to review their assigned tasks, identify causes as well as responsibilities of each poor-performing individual and collective, and send reports to the Transport Ministry to submit to Deputy PM Trần Hồng Hà by April 23.

In particular, the People’s Committee of Đồng Nai Province, which houses the airport, was told to quickly complete site clearance and hand over the land area for Phase 1, 1,180ha, and for two roads connecting with the airport before June 30. It was also asked to coordinate with authorities to guarantee order, security, safety, and environmental hygiene in the construction site and thoroughly deal with local residents’ petitions in a timely manner.

Starting in 2021, the Long Thành International Airport project covers more than 5,000ha across six communes in Long Thành District of Đồng Nai. It has total investment of VNĐ336.63 trillion (US$14.3 billion) and is divided into three phases.

Once fully completed by 2050, the airport will be able to handle 100 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo per year.

Located 40km east of HCM City, it is expected to relieve overloading at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport, currently the country’s largest airport. VNS