A Vietnamese Airport Runway Cracks Under Pressure

25 May, 2025

The current runway at Phu Cat Airport is in dire need of refurbishment as it has exceeded its designed lifespan, posing safety risks.

Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh province, brought attention to the deteriorating condition of the concrete runway at Phu Cat Airport. The runway, which has been in use for about 60 years, has cracks and low load-bearing capacity, far exceeding its designed lifespan of 20 years. This situation necessitates immediate repair, refurbishment, and upgrade to ensure safe operations.

However, such essential work would require the airport to be closed for at least six months, impacting military readiness and disrupting tourism and economic development in the province. To address this challenge, the construction of a second runway is proposed to maintain uninterrupted civil aviation operations and military purposes.

The People’s Committee of Binh Dinh province is expediting the necessary procedures, aiming to commence the project on August 19. The provincial People’s Council has approved the allocation of VND 1,746 billion for the project, which includes the construction of the second runway and synchronized works at Phu Cat Airport.

As per the approved investment plan, the total investment for the project is VND 3,246 billion, sourced from local funds and increased central budget revenue. Of this, VND 1,500 billion will come from the increased central budget revenue, and the remaining VND 1,746 billion from the local budget, as approved by the provincial People’s Council.

The new runway at Phu Cat Airport will be capable of accommodating A320 and A321 aircraft, with potential for expansion to accommodate larger aircraft in the future.

The project has been entrusted to the Binh Dinh Provincial Traffic Project Management Board, with an expected completion timeframe of 2025-2028.

Phu Cat Airport’s New Runway to Accommodate A320 and A321 Aircraft

The investment in the second runway ensures safe and efficient civil aviation operations while keeping the first runway available for military units’ combat readiness. Once completed, the second runway will also be ready to serve military units when needed.

In terms of investment scale, the project involves constructing the second runway and synchronized works to accommodate Code C aircraft, such as the A320 and A321. There is also potential to accommodate Code E aircraft in the future if required.

According to the master plan approved by the Ministry of Transport, Phu Cat Airport aims to serve 5 million passengers annually by 2030 and 7 million passengers by 2050.

Last November, the Government Office issued Document No. 8651/VPCP-CN, conveying the directions of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha regarding the project. Accordingly, the Deputy Prime Minister assigned the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh province as the investment manager as proposed by the Ministry of Transport. The use of local budget by the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh province shall comply with the law.

The Ministries of Transport, Planning and Investment, National Defense, and Finance are requested to support and guide the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh province in the implementation process.

Previously, the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh province submitted a proposal to the Government and the Prime Minister, seeking approval for the investment plan for Phu Cat Airport. The proposed components include the construction of the second runway, connecting taxiways, and other works in the airport area, as well as the relocation of military works to hand over land for the expansion of the civil aviation area and the construction of a new civil aviation area.