Phan Thiet Airport Project Launches with Ambitious Goals
On April 27, the Lam Dong Province People’s Committee officially broke ground on the Phan Thiet Airport project, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure and meet growing travel demands. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in boosting economic activities and promoting tourism in the area.
The airport is designed to meet 4E standards, which means it will be capable of handling a wide range of aircraft, including larger commercial planes. The project has a projected annual passenger capacity of 2 million by 2030 and is expected to require an investment of nearly VND3.9 trillion (approximately US$148 million). This investment underscores the commitment of both public and private sectors to developing the region’s aviation capabilities.
The airport will cover an area of 74.6 hectares and will include essential facilities such as aircraft aprons, taxiways, air traffic control and navigation systems, a control tower, an operation building, and a passenger terminal. These features are all aimed at ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for travelers.
Once completed, the Phan Thiet Airport is expected to significantly contribute to meeting the rising demand for air travel while also stimulating investment, trade, and services. It will serve as a key component of a broader tourism, resort, and aviation ecosystem envisioned by the project’s investors. The goal is to complete and operationalize the airport by 2027, which would mark a major achievement for the region.
Strategic Importance of the Project
Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Ho Van Muoi, highlighted the strategic importance of the project in strengthening connectivity between Lam Dong and major domestic and international economic hubs. He emphasized that the airport would create spillover effects for the Central Highlands, the south central coast, and the southern key economic regions, fostering regional development and integration.
Minister of Construction, Tran Hong Minh, noted that this is Vietnam’s first civil airport developed with private capital using dual-use infrastructure built by the military. This unique approach serves both defense and socio-economic development purposes. The minister stressed the need for strict compliance with technical and aviation standards, construction quality, safety, and progress, while maintaining dual-use readiness in coordination with military units.
The airport is anticipated to unlock new development opportunities, particularly in the eastern part of the province. It is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment potential in the area, creating a ripple effect across the local economy.
Mui Ne: A Rising Star in the Tourism Sector
Mui Ne has secured a place among the world’s most trending destinations for 2026, according to travel platform Booking.com. The coastal area has been praised for its “surreal” landscapes, relaxed atmosphere, and status as a hub for sea sports. Its popularity is driven by a unique blend of adventure sports, dramatic landscapes such as expansive sand dunes, and upscale beachfront resorts.
This recognition highlights the growing appeal of Mui Ne as a tourist destination and underscores the importance of infrastructure projects like the Phan Thiet Airport in supporting the region’s tourism industry. With improved connectivity and increased accessibility, Mui Ne is poised to attract even more visitors in the coming years.
Future Prospects
The Phan Thiet Airport project represents a bold step forward for Lam Dong Province and the surrounding regions. By investing in modern infrastructure, the project aims to not only meet current travel demands but also position the area as a key player in the broader Southeast Asian tourism and business landscape. As the project moves forward, it will be closely watched by stakeholders across the region, who anticipate significant economic and social benefits from its completion.
