Da Nang Seeks $10 Billion Upgrade for Chu Lai Airport
Da Nang has proposed a $10 billion transformation of Chu Lai Airport into a significant aviation and economic hub. This plan includes developing a next-generation airport alongside a free-trade zone, industrial area, and eco-urban township. The proposal, aimed at spurring regional growth, seeks approval from the central government to proceed under a public-private partnership model.
The proposed development calls for $3.3 billion to construct a new international-standard airport, with an additional $6.7 billion for the adjacent “airport ecosystem.” This ecosystem would encompass a 225-hectare free-trade zone, a 185-hectare eco-service urban area, and a 360-hectare industrial zone. The national airport master plan anticipates that by 2030, Chu Lai Airport will handle 10 million passengers and 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, expanding to 30 million passengers by 2050.
Da Nang is eager to progress swiftly, aiming to complete investment procedures in the first half of 2025 and finish construction within two years. A task force is already in place to manage PPP procedures and design the airport’s northwest section. The city has also requested to be designated as the project’s authorized state agency, indicating strong local support and readiness to advance.
Another option under consideration involves the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) overseeing the airport and its ecosystem. ACV has expressed willingness to provide funding once the plan is finalized, although specific details have not been disclosed. This option reflects a potential shift towards a more centrally managed development approach.
Chu Lai Airport, once a major U.S. air base, is now the largest airport by land area in Vietnam, located in the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone. Despite its size, the airport currently handles only 1.2 million passengers annually. Transforming it into a bustling hub could significantly alter the economic landscape of central Vietnam, bridging the gap between Da Nang and Quang Ngai, reported VN Express.
Key Takeaways
- Da Nang proposes a $10 billion upgrade for Chu Lai Airport as part of a larger economic initiative.
- The plan includes a new airport and surrounding zones, aiming for significant passenger and cargo growth.
- Two investment options are being considered, one involving the Airports Corporation of Vietnam.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-12-08
source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1381141-da-nang-seeks-10-billion-upgrade-for-chu-lai-airport/
