An aerial view of the construction of Long Thành International Airport, which will be the largest airport in Việt Nam when it goes into operation in 2026. —VNA/VNS Photo Công Phong

HÀ NỘI — The detailed development plans for 14 international and 16 domestic airports nationwide will be completed before 2025, according to a new proposal by the Ministry of Transport (MoT).

In a document submitted to the Prime Minister for approval, the transport ministry has outlined the plans, policies and tasks to execute the master plan on developing the nationwide system of airports for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

In particular, the planning for 30 international and domestic airports is to be completed between 2021 and 2025.

The MoT will focus on impactful projects and prioritise investment resources for key airports that play a crucial role in socio-economic development and international integration in the Capital Region (Nội Bài) and HCM City metropolitan area (Tân Sơn Nhất and Long Thành).

These are part of the 14 international airports in the document, which also include Vân Đồn, Cát Bi, Thọ Xuân, Vinh, Phú Bài, Đà Nẵng, Chu Lai, Cam Ranh, Liên Khương, Cần Thơ and Phú Quốc.

The 16 domestic airports are Lai Châu, Điện Biên, Sa Pa, Nà Sản, Đồng Hới, Quảng Trị, Phù Cát, Tuy Hòa, Pleiku, Buôn Ma Thuột, Phan Thiết, Rạch Giá, Cà Mau, Côn Đảo, Thành Sơn and Biên Hòa.

The research and planning for the second airport in the capital region, Hải Phòng International Airport, and Cao Bằng Airport is expected to be completed between 2026 and 2030.

The total capital demand for airport infrastructure in 2021-2030 is estimated at VNĐ420.5 trillion (US$16.8 billion). This figure does not include projects invested in and managed by Việt Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation.

Investment for the development, upgrade and maintenance of the nationwide airport system expresses the state priority on ensuring public transport. Resources will also be mobilised for the construction of airport infrastructure.

To attract the capital for aviation infrastructure development, the MoT proposed allocating the State budget as planned, which is expected to stimulate investment in airports and related structures in surrounding areas.

The coordination between ministries, sectors and localities in resource allocation is also necessary for the feasibility and implementation effectiveness of the master plan, according to the MoT.

One of the solutions for capital attraction is mobilising a variety of funding sources from the public and private sectors, in the country as well as abroad.

Private resources will also be utilised in the form of public-private partnerships (PPP) for new airports.

Responding to local socio-economic development needs, the MoT also looks into and develops investment mechanisms for the upgrade and expansion of airports in operation following the PPP and other funding models.

Other areas of focus in the plan include the development of human resources, science and technology and the aviation industry, as well as social welfare, environmental protection and ensuring national defence and security. — VNS