
Long Thanh International Airport is approaching its first operational phase, and Vietnam’s aviation authority has confirmed that the air traffic controllers assigned to the new facility are fully prepared for the initial flights. The Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation reports that final preparations are moving at an accelerated pace, with controller readiness treated as the most important milestone.
High intensity simulations used to train controllers for real emergencies
A delegation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam recently inspected the Southern Air Traffic Management Center. The visit focused on simulator training for controllers who will staff the Long Thanh control tower.
During the sessions, controllers practiced handling multiple complex scenarios at once, including sudden weather changes, navigation equipment malfunctions, communication failures and aircraft emergencies. The exercises were designed to test composure, situational judgment and procedural accuracy under heavy pressure.
Authorities noted that the controllers demonstrated strong coordination, precise execution and confident responses in all abnormal situations. Electronic reference tools used during simulations also helped improve decision speed and accuracy.
Why this training matters for Long Thanh’s opening
Long Thanh International Airport is the largest aviation project ever built in Vietnam. It is expected to become the country’s primary international gateway once operations expand. The readiness of its controller team is therefore considered a foundation for safe and efficient early operations.
Air traffic controllers oversee every movement of aircraft in the air and on the ground. They monitor weather conditions, guide aircraft during takeoff and landing and maintain safe separation between flights. They also react immediately to any irregularity that occurs. Many in the aviation industry describe them as the traffic police of the sky because their decisions directly influence the safety of every journey.
A key milestone for Vietnam’s next phase of aviation growth
The strong performance of the controller team marks a significant step forward for Vietnam’s aviation sector at a time when regional travel demand continues to rise. Once Long Thanh begins service, it is expected to ease congestion at Tan Son Nhat Airport and position Vietnam as a more competitive hub in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam Insider will continue to follow developments as the airport moves closer to receiving its first aircraft.
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Source: Vietnam Insider

