VietNamNet Bridge - Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City is planning to restrict the use of taxiway 25R/07L to widen parking areas for aircraft from April 10 to June 25. This could affect thousands of flights.

According to the Airport Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), Tan Son Nhat Airport has 30-32 take-offs and landings from 6am to 6pm every day and 39 per hour during peak hours.

If the use of the taxiway is restricted, the average frequency of take-off and landing will be only 25, with a  a few dozen to 100 flights canceled each day.

The chief of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV). Lai Xuan Thanh said construction activities on parking areas would take place near the taxiway and therefore it should be closed for aviation safety.

The restriction of use of the taxiway during the upcoming holiday (April 30-May 1) could greatly affect the airlines. Air carriers have proposed delaying the construction until August or September. However, the CAAV said this is the rainy season, which is unsuitable for the repair. The agency is considering increasing the number of take-offs and landings to 25 turns per hour.

The agency promised to coordinate with related organizations to have the most appropriate option.

Tan Son Nhat Airport has two taxiway 25L/07R and 25R/07L which were built in 1965-1967 to serve military aircraft DC8 and DC10. 25L/07R taxiway was upgraded in 2002 and 25R/07L was repaired in 1992 to serve B747-200 with operating frequency of 43,000 takeoff and landing times for 20 years.

In 2013, 25R/07L taxiway was upgraded again.

Thuy Nga