Vinh Airport Shuts for Major Expansion Amid Rising Demand

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Vinh International Airport in Vietnam's Nghe An Province is closing for six months starting July 1, as a significant expansion project begins to address growing passenger numbers and update its ageing infrastructure.

The temporary closure will run until December 31, 2025, and aims to upgrade the terminal, runway, taxiways, and aircraft parking areas, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV). The initiative, valued at nearly VND1 trillion (around $40 million), seeks to modernise the facility in response to increasing travel demand.

Central to the project is expanding the T1 passenger terminal to accommodate up to 3.5 million passengers annually by 2030. This effort, involving an investment of VND68 billion, reflects the region's growing role as a travel hub. Enhancements to the aircraft parking apron, costing VND236 billion, will boost its capacity to hold nine Code C narrow-body aircraft.

The largest chunk of the budget, more than VND623 billion, will focus on comprehensive repairs for the 2,400-metre runway and two taxiways, ensuring a safer and more efficient flow of air traffic.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), managing the project, aims to conclude the upgrades by December 30, stressing compliance with safety, environmental, and labour standards throughout.

During this period, travellers from the north-central region of Vietnam will need to use alternative airports, such as Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa or Dong Hoi Airport in Quang Binh.

Opened in 2003, Vinh Airport was designed for 2.75 million annual passengers, currently handling 21 to 26 flights per day. It also faced a brief closure in July 2023 due to runway damage. The ongoing expansion reflects both the rapid growth in demand and the need for modernisation to maintain its pivotal role in Vietnam's aviation network.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-25