Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has instructed ministries and local authorities to review transport plans for Gia Binh International Airport. Hanoi will study a direct rail connection between the airport and the capital's centre.
At a meeting on Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister said transport infrastructure serving the airport must be planned as part of an integrated regional network. This would avoid isolated investments that could weaken connectivity.
The Ministry of Construction will lead a review of transport links between the airport, Hanoi and neighbouring economic centres. The administrations of Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh will take part.
Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung said the new airport is intended to relieve pressure on Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and serve defence and diplomatic purposes. It is expected to handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tonnes of cargo a year by 2030, rising to 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2050.
Transport links are being studied towards Hanoi, the Capital Region's Ring Road 4, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh. The review covers roads, urban and national railways, and inter-regional rail services.
Hanoi is considering extending urban railway Line 8 through Bac Ninh to the airport. Under the option currently being studied, however, passengers travelling to some central areas of the capital would still need to change trains.
The Deputy Prime Minister called for further research into a direct rail connection with fewer detours and transfers, especially for international travellers carrying luggage.
He also asked Hanoi to examine the possibility of a central railway interchange linking different rail lines and public transport services. Such a hub could make transfers easier and support development around stations, including commercial and service facilities.
The city will review Line 8 and related routes, station locations, interchange hubs and connections to the airport terminals. Authorities will also assess passenger demand, economic and social benefits, investment priorities and available resources.
The review will also consider integrating Gia Binh Airport with Noi Bai International Airport and the wider transport network serving the capital region.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that railways must operate as an integrated system. He called for consistent technical standards, technology and operations across the entire route rather than dividing it into disconnected sections with different contractors or equipment.
Beyond passenger transport, he highlighted the need to accommodate air cargo, particularly exports and high-tech industries such as electronics and semiconductors.
He said transport planning should be coordinated with the development of logistics, trade, services, accommodation and housing for airport workers, as well as cultural, educational and healthcare facilities.
Bac Ninh was asked to review transport infrastructure and access to passenger terminals, cargo facilities and interchange hubs within the province. It must coordinate with Hanoi and other authorities on road, rail and public transport connections.
Bac Ninh must submit its proposals to the Ministry of Construction by November 20, 2026, for consolidation and further review.
The Deputy Prime Minister also instructed authorities to ensure that the review does not delay infrastructure works already ready for implementation, while preventing new investments from proceeding without adequate coordination.
Sources: Viet Nam News
