Brian Jeffrey
Although it opened two months early on April 19, the VND 11,000 billion (around USD 432 million) Tan Son Nhat Terminal T3 has encountered significant criticism due to construction defects and design issues that have negatively affected travelers and raised public worry.
Upon its debut, the T3 terminal captivated visitors with its sleek architecture and advanced technological amenities. Developed by a group of six contractors led by Hancorp, this terminal was designed to ease the congestion of domestic flights and accommodate up to 20 million passengers each year within a spacious area exceeding 112,000m².
Yet, problems became apparent shortly after opening. On May 7, heavy rainfall revealed leaks in the roof of the departure waiting area, leading airport staff to scramble with buckets and mops as water spilled onto the floor.
The project management team attributed these leaks to rapid changes in temperature. The intense heat in Ho Chi Minh City caused roof materials to expand, jeopardizing the integrity of silicone seals when the rain came. They acknowledged that, although the terminal was inaugurated early, it had not undergone sufficient practical testing.
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Further examination showed that the terminal lobby had uneven floor tiling. Numerous tiles were poorly aligned, scratched, cracked, or missing proper joint filler, which could present risks for travelers, particularly those wearing high-heeled shoes.
In response, the contractor indicated that these issues arose from an expedited schedule to open in time for the April 30 holiday. Essential final tasks like silicone sealing, joint filling, and polishing are still in progress, with complete resolution anticipated by late June.
However, on May 24, another leak was reported in the check-in and luggage drop area. Contractors cited a loose gasket in the roof’s drainage system as the cause, claiming they swiftly addressed the matter without impacting operations.
The layout of T3, which is physically detached from Terminals 1 and 2, has created confusion among travelers. Passengers transferring between terminals often find themselves lost or miss their flights due to inadequate signage and erratic traffic patterns.
To remedy this, Tan Son Nhat Airport provides a complimentary shuttle bus service between T1, T2, and T3 from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., operating every 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally, an airside shuttle is accessible from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. at 20-minute intervals between T3 and T1.
Nonetheless, there are still challenges outside the terminal, with traffic jams on Tran Quoc Hoan and Cong Hoa streets—especially close to the main entrance—leading to increased complaints. In response, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction is collaborating with local authorities to propose road improvements, additional signage, and enhanced enforcement, with implementation expected by June 2025.
Despite its early opening and success in managing daily domestic flights since early May, the Ministry of Construction has determined that, while these flaws do not jeopardize structural safety or flight operations, they do diminish the terminal’s aesthetic appeal and customer satisfaction.
The ministry has directed the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to promptly investigate and fully address the outstanding issues.
Tuan Kiet
