A private conglomerate is seeking to invest in the expansion of Con Dao Airport  -  a move that could significantly boost local tourism and economic development, according to a senior official at a recent dialogue with tourism enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking at the event on December 30, Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, said that under Vietnam’s aviation master plan, Con Dao Airport currently operates at level 3C, serving only small aircraft such as the ATR-72. Annual capacity is capped at around 400,000 passengers.

By 2030, however, the airport is slated for an upgrade to level 4E, allowing it to receive larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320, A350, or Boeing 787. This would increase capacity to a minimum of 3 million passengers annually, more than seven times the current level.

However, An emphasized that the master planning phase is still underway, and that concrete decisions on investors or construction timelines cannot proceed until this phase is complete.

“Once the master plan is finalized, the city will consider investor selection, organize bidding, and move on to subsequent steps,” An said. “There is no confirmed timeline for airport expansion in 2026.”

Speaking with VietNamNet on the sidelines of the event, An revealed that Sun Group is currently the only private entity expressing interest in the project.

The company submitted a proposal to develop the airport’s master plan in October 2025. However, the planning document has yet to be completed.

Only once planning is finalized will the city evaluate investors, conduct bidding, and move into implementation.

Sustainable tourism in focus

Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said the local government strongly supports the airport expansion.

He stressed that once upgraded, Con Dao will be positioned as a sustainable destination, targeting high-spending, environmentally conscious travelers.

According to Binh, whether a public or private investor leads the project, each approach brings unique advantages and will ultimately contribute to public value. Once decisions are made by higher-level authorities, the Department of Tourism will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to assess the project’s effectiveness.

Two gateways to the island

Currently, travelers can reach Con Dao via air or sea.

While there are large passenger ships with over 1,000 seats operating from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, waterway travel depends heavily on weather conditions. In certain seasons, this mode can be unreliable, according to the Department of Construction.

The proposed airport upgrade is seen as a strategic step to improve accessibility, ensure stable year-round arrivals, and accommodate the island’s growing popularity as an eco-conscious tourism destination.

Tran Chung