Quang Tri gets greenlight for airport project

The Inter-sectoral Appraisal Council has approved the construction of the Quang Tri airport project with an investment cost of VND5.8 trillion (US$244.4 million).

The design of Quang Tri Airport.

Earlier, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, who serves as the Chairman of the inter-sectoral appraisal council for component 2 of the Quang Tri airport construction project, endorsed the appraisal report on behalf of the council.

The proposed location for Quang Tri Airport is within Gio Quang, Gio Hai, and Gio Mai communes of Gio Linh District, and it has been put forth by the T&T Group for investment.

As per T&T Group's proposition, Quang Tri Airport will be developed to adhere to the standards of a level 4C airport, with the capability to accommodate code E aircraft for parking. Additionally, it will be designed as a level 2 military airport, fulfilling the operational requirements for approximately 5 million passengers per year and handling a cargo capacity of 25,500 tons annually.

Anticipations point towards the province's approval of the Quang Tri airport investment in the third quarter of this year, with the investment being divided into two phases.

During Phase 1 of the initiative, scheduled for completion before 2026, fundamental infrastructure for Quang Tri airport will be established to facilitate the handling of around 500,000 passengers annually.

This initial phase involves the construction of various components, such as a runway measuring 2,400 x 45 meters, a 15-meter-wide taxiway connecting the runway to the apron, an apron boasting three parking spaces for code C aircraft, a passenger terminal, and essential facilities to ensure seamless flight operations.

Looking ahead to the second phase, the investor envisions several key milestones. The plan involves the construction of new runways in 2029, 2043, and 2050 to accommodate the rising operational demands. Furthermore, investments are earmarked for enhancing ground service infrastructure at the airport by 2029, as well as establishing aviation and non-aviation service facilities crucial for airport operations.

The expansion of Quang Tri Airport's passenger terminal is targeted for completion by 2029, designed to accommodate 2.2 million passengers annually. Subsequent expansions, set for 2047, include enlarging the passenger terminal and its corresponding front-end parking area to accommodate the projected capacity growth of 5 million passengers annually.

The investor's updated proposal also outlines plans for cargo facilities. In 2029, the focus lies on building an additional cargo terminal at Quang Tri airport, aimed at servicing the needs of 5,600 tons of cargo annually. This would be succeeded by expanding the initial cargo terminal in 2043, followed by the ultimate expansion during Phase 2 in 2059, elevating the cargo handling capacity to 25,500 tons annually.

Ngoc Mai - Bao Ngoc