Long Thanh International Airport, one of Vietnam’s mega projects, is preparing to open for commercial flights on 19 December 2025. Ahead of the opening, the calibration process for flight test navigation equipment has been launched to ensure the airport’s safety and operational standards.
On the morning of 26 September, the first calibration flight for navigation signals landed in Long Thanh airspace. Conducted under the coordination of the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) and relevant agencies, around 30 technical flights will be performed using a Beechcraft B300 aircraft. These flights will cover approach, horizontal and routine flight scenarios to test the navigation system’s compliance with ICAO standards. The process is being overseen by ATTECH Company, a subsidiary of VATM.
Coordination Between Air and Ground Teams
The calibration process requires close cooperation between the flight crew and ground technicians. Parameters are continuously adjusted to ensure the equipment delivers optimum performance. These tests are not only vital for flight safety but are also among the mandatory requirements to be fulfilled before the official airport opening.
The Road to Opening
According to plan, inspection and calibration flights will be completed between 26 September and 24 October 2025. This stage is regarded as one of the most critical milestones ahead of Long Thanh Airport’s year-end inauguration.
Earlier, during field surveys conducted on 24 September, coordinate data from navigation stations and runways had been collected and integrated into the aircraft inspection systems. In addition, detailed coordination with Tan Son Nhat Approach Control Centre ensured proper airspace allocation, communication procedures, and solutions to ease traffic congestion.
Fully Integrated Infrastructure
Alongside navigation tests, the completion of key infrastructure projects such as the passenger terminal, taxiways, aircraft parking areas, air traffic control tower and runway is being accelerated.
With all these preparations, Long Thanh International Airport is set to become Vietnam’s most modern and strategic airport as of its opening date.
