The civil aviation component of Phan Thiet Airport, with a total investment of more than VND3,900 billion (US$160 million), has officially broken ground, marking a significant step in strengthening the air transport network in southern central Vietnam.

On April 27, the People’s Committee of Lam Dong held the groundbreaking ceremony for the project. The event was attended by the Minister of Construction, along with leaders from central ministries and local authorities. It also formed part of activities commemorating the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and national reunification.

The civil aviation component is being developed in Mui Ne Ward, covering nearly 75 hectares, with a total investment exceeding VND3,900 billion (US$160 million). The airport is designed to accommodate 4E-class aircraft, with a projected capacity of around 2 million passengers annually by 2030.

The facility will serve domestic flights, select non-scheduled international services, and humanitarian relief operations.

Its airside infrastructure includes an apron with six aircraft stands, two connecting taxiways, a 45-meter air traffic control tower, an operations building, and systems for lighting, navigation, and meteorological observation. The passenger terminal will span approximately 18,000 square meters and feature a modern design.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh described the project as an event of special significance for Lam Dong, the south-central region, and the country’s broader strategy for developing key infrastructure.

According to the minister, Phan Thiet Airport has been planned and studied for investment since 2014 under a dual-use model. Under the Prime Minister’s assignment, the Ministry of National Defense is responsible for military components such as the runway, taxiways, and military zone, while the former Binh Thuan Province - now part of Lam Dong - is tasked with developing the civil aviation components, including the terminal, apron, and related infrastructure. By the end of 2025, the military section of the airport had already been completed and put into operation for defense purposes.

Once operational, the airport is expected to play a strategic role in the southern central region’s aviation network, enhancing connectivity with the southern key economic zone.