Speaking at a government meeting today, the Prime Minister chaired discussions on adjusting the investment policy for Gia Binh Airport - from a specialized military facility to a dual-use international airport of 4E classification. The meeting also covered a proposed expressway connecting the airport to downtown Hanoi.

According to a report by the Ministry of Public Security, construction of Gia Binh Airport is scheduled to begin in December 2024.

Originally designed as a 3C-grade dedicated airfield, Gia Binh Airport was intended to serve training flights, combat readiness for the People's Police Air Force, and act as a reserve facility for the Air Defense - Air Force Command.

It was also designated to serve VIP flights for senior Party and State leaders and international dignitaries, as well as to provide cargo and passenger transport services when needed.

Following a recent revision to the national airport development plan for 2021–2030 (with a vision to 2050) by the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Public Security proposed upgrading Gia Binh Airport to a 4E international dual-use facility - serving both civil aviation and national security and defense.

The upgraded airport aims to reduce the burden on Noi Bai International Airport in handling cargo and passenger traffic, while also supporting socio-economic development and safeguarding national defense.

The proposed expressway connecting Gia Binh Airport to Hanoi will span approximately 45.6 kilometers, including 14 kilometers within Hanoi and 31.6 kilometers in Bac Ninh Province.

The road will feature a cross-sectional width of 120 meters, accommodating 10 lanes, with a total investment of approximately VND 40.3 trillion (around USD 1.58 billion).

Prime Minister Chinh commended the Ministry of Public Security for its initiative and said all participants in the meeting agreed on the necessity of upgrading the airport.

He supported the transition from a purely security-focused airfield to a dual-use airport that can drive both national defense and civil economic development, alongside the construction of a logistics hub in the surrounding area.

"The dual-use 4E Gia Binh Airport will complement and support Noi Bai, which is currently overloaded and has little room for further expansion," the Prime Minister stated.

He added that the airport and its connecting road must be developed to modern, synchronized standards. “It will not only ease traffic congestion but also become a prominent landmark, enhancing the image and infrastructure of Hanoi and Bac Ninh. This airport will stand as a symbol of Vietnam’s rising stature and development in the new era.”

The Vinh