On the afternoon of December 11th, according to information from the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), the unit has completed 100% of the preparations for the first technical flights at Long Thanh International Airport in mid-December 2025.
With a system of equipment possessing a multi-layered backup mechanism and flight procedures designed according to the strictest international standards, VATM affirms its capacity to master the airspace at this key national aviation mega-project.
To serve this historic milestone, VATM has implemented comprehensive and synchronized preparations in terms of infrastructure, technical systems, human resources, and operational organization. As of December 19th, the entire air traffic control system at Long Thanh has been put into stable operation.
Long Thanh Air Traffic Control Tower.
A breakthrough in VATM's technical work this time is the application of a "multi-layered" safety standard. Essential air traffic control, navigation, surveillance, and management (CNS/ATM) systems such as communication (VHF, VCCS), navigation, surveillance, message transmission (AMHS), and meteorological observation are not only fully installed but also reviewed and confirmed for technical readiness with a multi-layer redundancy mechanism.
As a result, the entire system is ensured to operate continuously 24/7, maintaining the highest service quality and, in particular, minimizing the risk of interruptions even in unusual situations, severe weather, or complex technical incidents.
On the airfield, the operational procedures based on realistic scenarios for runway 23L/05R, taxiway B, and the connecting taxiway system and taxiway D24 have fully ensured the conditions for receiving and guiding aircraft.
After many years of in-depth research, VATM has completed the civil aviation airspace organization system for the southern region. Through close cooperation with Boeing, VATM has optimized flight procedures at Long Thành International Airport in the complex context of coordination with Tân Sơn Nhất Airport and Biên Hòa Military Airport. This set of flight procedures has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, and is ready for synchronized implementation starting December 19th, 2025.
During the upcoming technical flight, the aircraft will perform departure, arrival, and approach procedures according to standards, demonstrating VATM's ability to design flight procedures that meet the operational requirements of two major airports located close together.
VATM has completed the installation of the primary and secondary radar stations at Long Thanh.
VATM recognizes that human factors are the foundation of all successes in ensuring aviation safety. Air traffic controllers, technical staff, meteorologists, flight procedure personnel, and search and rescue teams have all completed their training and have been assigned shifts in accordance with the approved operational manuals.
The entire system of documents, procedures, and safety and quality plans has been developed and reviewed through multiple rigorous inspection rounds, in compliance with the latest and highest standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO).
Emergency response plans have also been meticulously prepared to prevent any unexpected situations. VATM has developed a comprehensive set of scenarios for handling unusual and emergency situations, covering all possible types of risks including loss of communication, signal loss, or technical malfunctions on aircraft, responses to illegal interference such as unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyberattacks, and procedures for diverting aircraft to Tan Son Nhat airport if necessary.
The operational teams at Long Thanh Air Traffic Control Tower, Tan Sơn Nhat Approach Control Center, and Ho Chi Minh Area Control Center have been thoroughly trained to maintain close coordination and ensure seamless information flow in all situations.