In an effort to prevent overcrowding at three key airports, Vietnam will spend almost VND18.9 trillion (US$832 million) through 2020 on upgrading these facilities.
Dan Tri reports that the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) has submitted a plan to the Ministry of Transport to expand Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong, Hue's Phu Bai Airport, and Chu Lai Airport near Hoi An.
These airports serve three of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations: Ha Long Bay, Hue, and Hoi An.
The funding in question would primarily be used to build new terminals, runways and taxiways, the news source shares. Accordingly, VND6.2 trillion (US$273 million) would be allocated to Cat Bi, while Phu Bai and Chu Lai would receive VND6 trillion (US$264 million) and more than VND6.6 trillion (US$290 million), respectively.
According to CAAV, Phu Bai and Chu Lai are already operating above their designed capacities, while Cat Bi is expected to become overloaded in 2018.
These expected upgrades come as Vietnam's aviation industry is booming. Dan Tri shares that it is the third-fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region, while the number of passengers on domestic flights grew by 35% last year, reaching 28 million.
[Photo via Dan Tri]
