Long Thanh Airport will be the second to serve Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area, after the existing Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Photo: VnEconomy)
Vietnam is undergoing a significant transformation in its aviation infrastructure, marked by the approval and development of multiple new airports across the country.
This expansion aims to meet the increasing demands for air travel and cargo transport, supporting economic growth and regional connectivity.
The centerpiece development is the Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai province, the largest and most ambitious aviation project in Vietnam. With a total investment of approximately 336,630 billion VND, the project is divided into three phases. The first phase, which began early in 2021, is expected to be operational by 2026, accommodating 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually. Upon full completion, Long Thanh will feature four runways and four terminals, with a capacity to serve 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of freight per year, positioning it as a major regional hub.
In the northern region, the Gia Binh Airport project in Bac Ninh province was initiated in December 2024. Designed to serve military training and readiness, it is planned to be upgraded to a primary commercial airport to alleviate pressure on Noi Bai International Airport. Gia Binh is projected to handle 5 million passengers and 250,000 tons of cargo annually by 2050, expanding to triple the amount by 2050, supporting large aircraft such as Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
Phu Quoc Airport in the south is also undergoing a major upgrade, exceeding 50,0900 billion VND of investment. The expansion aims to increase its capacity from 4 million to 18 million passengers terminal inspired by the phoenix, featuring advanced biometric technology and automated baggage handling to streamline passenger processing.
Additionally, several other airports are planned or under construction, including Mang Den (Kon Tum), Van Phong ( Khanh Hoa), Quang Tri, and Sa Pa (Lao Cai). These projects vary in scale but collectively strive to enhance regional closeness, support tourism, and stimulate local economies. For instance, the Mang Den Airport is designed to serve about one million passengers annually by 2030, while Van Phong Airport will accommodate up to 1.5 million passengers with potential growth to 2.5 million by 2050.
This comprehensive airport development strategy reflects Vietnam’s commitment to modernizing its aviation sector, addressing current capacity constraints, and positioning itself as a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia. The integration of cutting-edge technology and large-scale infrastructure investment will not only improve passenger and cargo services but also contribute significantly to the nation’s economic advancement and global competitiveness.
