Investing in the Development of Gia Bình International Airport to Meet Global Standards

Meeting the Growing Air Transport Demands of Northern Key Economic Region

Presenting the Investment Policy Report for the Gia Binh International Airport Project, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh stated that to institutionalize the Party’s policies, leverage private sector strengths in capital, technology, and governance, and drive socio-economic development, the Government Party Committee has secured Politburo approval for the project. This initiative aims to establish a national landmark reflecting Vietnam’s new stature and position, while attracting domestic investors under the Investment Law framework.

This project is pivotal for fostering a new growth pole east of Hanoi, addressing the escalating air transport needs of the Northern Key Economic Region, and alleviating pressure on the overburdened Noi Bai International Airport, which currently lacks expansion capacity. Additionally, the airport is slated to support the APEC 2027 Summit, necessitating special mechanisms to expedite preparation and administrative procedures.

The project aligns with the 2021-2030 National Master Plan (vision to 2050), the 2021-2030 National Airport System Development Plan (vision to 2050), the 2021-2030 Gia Binh International Airport Master Plan (vision to 2050), and the 2021-2030 Bac Ninh Province Master Plan (vision to 2050).

The goal is to develop Gia Binh International Airport to international standards, creating a smart, green, sustainable, and world-class facility. It will meet socio-economic demands, support dual-use operations for national defense and security, and host major diplomatic events, including the APEC 2027 Summit. The airport aims to achieve a 5-star Skytrax rating, rank among the top 10 global 5-star airports, and deliver an exceptional passenger experience (AQS) as recognized by the Airport Council International (ACI). It will serve as the Northern Gateway, a regional passenger and cargo hub, and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center for the Asia-Pacific.

Designed to ICAO’s 4F standards, the airport will handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo annually by 2030, scaling up to 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tons by 2050.

Unanimous Support for Project Necessity

Reviewing the proposal, National Assembly Economic and Financial Committee Chairman Phan Van Mai confirmed unanimous support for the project’s necessity, as outlined in the Government’s report. The project meets National Assembly investment approval criteria under the Investment Law, with a comprehensive submission.

Chairman Mai highlighted requests for detailed transport demand forecasts, traffic distribution analysis with nearby airports, and clarification on the feasibility of the “dual-airport” and “multi-hub” model for the Capital Region. This includes passenger and cargo flow management and airspace safety protocols.

The committee urged quantifiable project objectives, a feasibility roadmap, and assessments of geology, hydrology, drainage, and the Ngụ River’s impact. A synchronized multi-modal transport system aligned with project timelines was also emphasized.

Feasibility concerns were raised regarding APEC 2027 readiness, given challenges like land compensation, resettlement, and complex geology. Recommendations included livelihood support for affected communities, food security measures for reclaimed agricultural land, and technical standards for safety and operational stability.

A 70-year project duration justification was requested, tied to actual ROI and 5-year reviews for revenue and cost adjustments. Investment cost benchmarks, compared to regional airport projects, were advised for optimized local pricing.