At a working session with the Ministry of Construction on July 11, Da Nang officials proposed accelerating the connection of transportation systems between Da Nang International Airport and Chu Lai Airport to optimize operations after the recent administrative merger of Da Nang and Quang Nam into a single entity.

Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan emphasized that while Da Nang was formerly the core of the central economic zone and Quang Nam its satellite, the new unified region requires a comprehensive reevaluation of development strategies. These include strategic pillars such as a free trade zone, an international financial center, and tourism.

Tuan stressed the interdependence of aviation and tourism, asserting that tourism stagnation would directly impact aviation, alongside other critical sectors like foreign trade and national security.

With projections aiming for Da Nang International Airport to handle 25 million passengers by 2030 and 30 million by 2050, and with Chu Lai Airport slated for more flexible expansion, Tuan urged synchronized investment in infrastructure to ensure seamless travel between the airports and major tourist and economic zones.

At the meeting, Tran Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), reported that plans are in place to expand Da Nang’s T1 terminal from a 6-million to 10-million passenger annual capacity, and the T2 international terminal from 4 million to 6 million.

He also noted that Da Nang is currently developing a 100,000-ton logistics hub, with the potential to scale up to 200,000–300,000 tons using modern technology without requiring more land.

ACV has committed to funding international consultancy services to develop a comprehensive master plan for both airports, aiming for sustainable growth through 2050. The planning process is expected to take 70–80 days.

Vice Chairman of Da Nang People’s Committee Le Quang Nam affirmed support for the terminal expansions and emphasized prioritizing international arrivals at Da Nang Airport. He noted that in the long term, overflow traffic should be redirected to Chu Lai Airport.

The city will soon review and propose a new master plan, including traffic connectivity solutions between the two airports to ensure operational efficiency.

Tuan also highlighted that revising airport plans is not solely about addressing transportation demand but also advancing Da Nang’s goal of becoming a smart and sustainable city, integrated with intelligent transportation, renewable energy, and a modern logistics ecosystem.

Previously, in March 2025, the former Quang Nam province proposed a PPP project worth 11 trillion VND (approx. USD 430 million) to upgrade Chu Lai Airport, aiming to increase its current annual capacity of 1.2 million to 10 million passengers by 2030.

PV