More tourists to Vietnam's pristine southern island
Con Dao Airport is expected to be upgraded to handle an annual capacity of two million passengers by 2030.
THE HANOI TIMES — Con Dao Airport, in the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, saw a throughput of nearly 100,000 passengers between May and June, up 9.8% year-on-year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).
Con Dao Airport in the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: vneconomy.vn
Despite growing demand, access to Con Dao remains limited due to the airport's outdated infrastructure and short runway, as well as its inability to operate at night. Currently, the airport can only accommodate small aircraft, such as ATR-72s, according to the CAAV.
The CAAV added that, under the national airport development plan, Con Dao Airport is expected to be upgraded to handle two million passengers annually by 2030 and three million by 2050.
Sun Group has proposed upgrading the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and international flights, including through potential land reclamation.
The CAAV emphasized that any such development must comply with government regulations and consider environmental impacts.
Due to public funding constraints, the CAAV has asked the Ministry of Construction to consider accepting the privately sponsored airport planning proposal.
