Vietnam Plans Airport Expansions through Public-Private Partnerships

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Vietnam is set to expand and upgrade airports in Phu Quoc, Chu Lai, and Con Dao through public-private partnerships (PPP), with projects aimed at boosting capacity and meeting international standards.

In Quang Nam Province, local authorities are seeking government approval to manage the Chu Lai airport expansion at a cost of VND11 trillion (US$423.85 million). The expansion will transform Chu Lai into an international airport as part of the 2021-30 airport development master plan. Proposed upgrades include adding a new 3,048-meter runway, taxiways, and parking for between 32 to 40 aircraft. The passenger terminal's capacity will rise to 10 million passengers annually, with the cargo terminal reaching a capacity of 1.5 million tons.

For Phu Quoc International Airport, with APEC 2027 on the horizon, expansion plans include investments from Sun Group and IPP Group. Sun Group's proposal outlines expanding the terminal to handle 18-20 million passengers, extending the existing runway to 3,500 meters, and building a VIP terminal. IPP Group plans to construct Terminal 2 with an initial capacity of six million passengers, increasing to eight million. The Kien Giang Provincial People’s Committee has been urged to expedite procedures to gain investment approval under the PPP model.

Con Dao Airport, in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, is also slated for upgrades under a PPP model. The project will enhance facilities like airfields, flight operations, and air traffic control, preparing it to accommodate large aircraft such as the A320, A321, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787, facilitating international flights from Northeast Asia and some European and American countries. The Ministry of Construction has approved the proposal, emphasizing the need to expand the runway for larger aircraft.

The Ministry of Construction is working on a master plan for these expansions, which once finalized, will pave the way for the Ba Ria - Vung Tau People's Committee to attract private investment in upgrading Con Dao Airport.

These expansions aim to enhance Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure, supporting increased passenger capacity and international connectivity while promoting economic growth through improved transportation facilities, reported VN Express.