Vo Van Chin, head of Project Division No. 1 at the provincial Management Board for Transport and Civil Engineering Projects, said more than 800 workers and engineers, along with hundreds of machines, were working to complete the final stages.
Remaining work includes cleaning and finishing the runway surface, cutting anti-skid grooves and installing electrical cables, lighting and flight control equipment.
The new runway is expected to undergo calibration flights in early September before entering commercial service in October.
The project to build the second runway and associated facilities has an investment of more than VND 3.2 trillion (USD 122 million). After nearly a year of construction, most major components have been completed, including the runway's concrete structure.
Following the upgrade, the airport will be able to handle Code C aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and A321 and equivalent models, as well as Code E aircraft when required.
Gia Lai's Chairman Pham Anh Tuan said the second runway would meet 4E operational standards, paving the way for the airport to receive its first international charter flights.
The province expects international charter services to begin by the end of 2026, followed by regular international flights from 2027, boosting air connectivity, tourism and economic development.
Phu Cat is currently designated as a domestic airport and has no direct international services. Its existing runway is more than three kilometres long and 45 metres wide, serving domestic flights operated mainly by A320 and A321 aircraft.
Under its development plan, the airport is expected to handle five million passengers and 12,000 tonnes of cargo annually by 2030. A new passenger terminal with capacity for about 3.5 million passengers a year is also planned.
By 2050, annual capacity is projected to reach seven million passengers and 27,000 tonnes of cargo, with Terminal 3 to be expanded accordingly.