Điện Biên Airport after the completion of the airport expansion project. VNA/VNS Photo

ĐIỆN BIÊN – All construction items of the project expanding Điện Biên Airport are completed for opening on December 2, said Airports Corporation of Việt Nam (ACV).

Runways, taxiways, engine aprons, passenger terminal and auxiliary works are all ready for flights.

Currently, airlines have installed check-in systems and auxiliary systems at the airport. These systems apply new technologies such as biometrics to ensure safe operation of the aviation system, the corporation said.

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, the two carriers operating flights to and from Điện Biện Airport, have deployed technical flights to ensure official operation on December 2.

The Việt Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) also announced that on November 29, the final equipment of the flight management system was installed and the air traffic control staff would be mobilised to increase human resources for airport operation.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam completed documents and submitted to the Ministry of Transport to officially license and announce the reopening of Điện Biên Airport.

Regarding difficulties in flight operations due to objective problems of terrain and weather in the Điện Biên area, the Ministry of Transport has assigned VATM to research and apply new technologies to ensure flight safety.

In addition, the Ministry of Transport also recommends that airlines pay attention to and arrange appropriate flight schedules for the convenience of passengers.

In March 2021, the Prime Minister issued Decision 470/QĐ-TTg approving the investment policy to expand Điện Biên Airport with a runway 2,400m long and 45m wide, meeting technical standards for receiving aircraft such as A320 and A321.

The project, which costs VNĐ 1.4 trillion (US$57.8 million), also upgrades the two-storey passenger terminal to receive from 300,000 to 500,000 passengers per year, and renovates and builds new auxiliary works and civil aviation areas.

Điện Biên Airport has an aircraft apron with four parking positions, of which three are for A320/A321 aircraft or equivalent, and one is for ATR72 aircraft or smaller.

The airport is installed with auxiliary light systems supporting aircraft taking off, landing and moving on the ground in conditions of night, and in bad weather with limited visibility.

A newly built security fence system with six guard booths and four fence gates is equipped with camera and lighting systems serving security patrols.

Expanding Điện Biên Airport is one of the key projects to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biện Phủ Victory in 2024 and create economic growth momentum for the northern mountainous province and the northwest region. VNS