HCMC – Vietnam’s aviation authority has proposed adding two new airports – Mang Den in the Central Highlands and Van Phong in Khanh Hoa Province – to the national airport development plan for 2021-2030, with a vision toward 2050.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has submitted its proposal to the Ministry of Construction as part of the planned adjustment of the country’s airport system, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
Under Vietnam’s approved regional development strategies, Khanh Hoa is designated as a growth hub for the north-central and south-central coastal regions, while Van Phong is planned as a logistics and service center. Mang Den is identified as a national tourism site and a key transport link between the Central Highlands and the coastal region, with airport development already under study.
Provincial master plans for Khanh Hoa and Kon Tum have reserved land for the Van Phong and Mang Den airports, respectively, with both projects positioned as strategic infrastructure.
CAAV said adding the two airports would align with national and regional development goals, support tourism and logistics growth, attract private investment, and enhance regional connectivity and national defense.
Initial estimates put investment for Mang Den Airport at nearly VND5 trillion, requiring around 350 hectares of land. Van Phong Airport would need more than VND9.2 trillion and over 497 hectares.
CAAV also proposed upgrading Quang Tri Airport from code 4C to 4E, citing its strategic role along the East-West Economic Corridor and growing demand following the recent administrative merger with the former Quang Binh Province. Quang Tri aims to become a regional logistics and cargo transshipment center, requiring greater air transport capacity.
Vietnam’s airport system will need an estimated VND499.6 trillion in investment through 2030, sourced from the state budget, private capital, and other legal sources.
CAAV proposes that Vietnam operate 33 airports with a combined capacity of 297 million passengers by 2030, increasing to 36 airports capable of serving 538.5 million passengers by 2050.
