Vietnam's central provinces are expanding airports, building runways and increasing passenger capacity.
New runways and connectivity
On October 29, the first charter flight from Macao, China, landed safely on Runway 2 at Phu Cat International Airport in Gia Lai province. The landing marked the start of operations at the runway.
Construction of Runway 2 began in August 2025, with investment of nearly 3.25 trillion VND (126.24 million USD). The project is being carried out by Gia Lai's provincial management board for transport and agriculture investment and construction projects.
Despite the tight schedule and strict technical requirements, the facility was completed to the required standards for quality, safety and aviation security. Phu Cat Airport can now accommodate Code C aircraft, including the A320 and A321, as well as equivalent models. It can also receive Code E aircraft when all operating conditions are met.
In October, a Cessna 208 operated by the Survey and Aerial Mapping One Member Limited Liability Company under the Ministry of National Defence's Department of Operations conducted surveys and inspections in Quang Tri province. The work is intended to assess obstacle clearance and aviation safety before Quang Tri Airport begins operations.
Quang Tri Airport is being developed under a public-private partnership by a consortium comprising T&T Transport Infrastructure Investment and Development Company and CIENCO4. The project is worth more than 5.8 trillion VND.
Under the adjusted master plan, the airport will be upgraded from 4C to 4E classification. It will then be able to accommodate modern wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. The airport is designed to handle up to 5 million passengers and 25,500 tonnes of cargo annually. More than 80% of construction work has been completed.
Projects planned for rising demand
Da Nang International Airport is the region's main aviation hub. It has received continuous investment in recent years, including construction of the T2 international terminal and upgrades to Terminal T1. Investment, however, has not kept pace with passenger growth.
In late August 2026, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and the Da Nang municipal People's Committee announced two airport expansion projects. They cover the renovation and expansion of Terminal T1 and Phase 1 of the aircraft parking apron expansion. Total investment is nearly 10 trillion VND.
The projects are intended to increase operating capacity, improve passenger services and meet growing demand for air transport, tourism and trade in Da Nang and central Vietnam.
The plans will raise Terminal T1's annual capacity to 14 million passengers and add six parking stands for Code C aircraft. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2027. The terminal expansion is expected to be completed and put into operation in January 2029, while renovation of the existing terminal is scheduled for completion in August 2029.
Across Hai Van Pass, tourism in Hue is growing quickly, increasing pressure on Phu Bai Airport. Under a decision by the Ministry of Construction, the airport is planned to handle around 4 million passengers annually by 2030 and 12 million by 2050.
Hue city leaders said passenger numbers could reach 6 million in 2026. The city therefore hopes to raise the airport's designed capacity to around 7 million passengers a year by 2030. It has also proposed developing Runway 2 and a coordinated taxiway system before 2030.
Nguyen Cao Cuong, Chairman of ACV's Board of Directors, said airports in localities serve travel demand and help drive economic growth, tourism and trade.
Through its airports, ACV hopes to strengthen cooperation with local authorities and airlines, explore appropriate support measures, attract carriers, launch new routes, increase flight frequencies, raise passenger numbers and expand its presence in promising international markets.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
