The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is preparing operational trials and working with airlines on plans for the first flights.
According to ACV, four of 16 major construction packages under the airport's essential infrastructure component have been completed. By mid-September, work across the packages had reached about 80 per cent of their contract value.
The passenger terminal, one of the project's most complex components, is more than 77 per cent complete. Construction and finishing work has reached nearly 83 per cent, electrical systems about 94 per cent and equipment installation 71 per cent.
Contractors are focusing on architectural finishing, mechanical and electrical systems, fire protection, information and communications technology and equipment installation.
ACV said priority was being given to the terminal's western wing and central area to ensure they are ready for operations by the end of the year.
Internal roads and technical infrastructure have reached about 76 per cent completion, with work continuing on main roads, access routes, viaducts, utility buildings and other infrastructure.
The project management board has urged contractors to increase manpower and machinery, add shifts and tighten scheduling to speed up construction.
The aircraft apron around the passenger terminal is nearly 95 per cent complete, while the aviation fuel system has passed 97 per cent and the wastewater treatment facility 91 per cent. The second runway and associated taxiways are about 81 per cent complete.
Air traffic control and meteorological equipment is expected to be installed by November and accepted in early to mid-December.
Primary and secondary radar systems and DVOR/DME navigation equipment have already been used for calibration flights and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.
The airport's fuel system includes six above-ground tanks, each with a capacity of 6,000 cubic metres.
Construction of facilities for state agencies at the airport is largely complete, including buildings for customs, aviation authorities, immigration, police and animal and plant quarantine services.
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air will each have two hangars at Long Thanh, with construction largely completed.
The first phase of Long Thanh International Airport is scheduled to begin commercial operations by the end of the year.
Located in Dong Nai City, the airport covers 5,364 hectares and has an estimated total investment of about USD 5 billion. Once fully developed, it is designed to handle 100 million passengers a year and become Vietnam's largest airport.