Vietnam Set to Stun Global Aviation with Two Revolutionary New Airports: One on a Mountain, One on Water

Vietnam to Add Two “Special” Airports

The Vietnam Aviation Authority has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction to adjust the Master Plan for the Development of the National Airport System for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050. Notably, the proposal includes the addition of two airports, Mang Den (Kon Tum) and Van Phong (Khanh Hoa), to the national airport network.

This proposal has been reviewed by the Ministry of Construction and approved in principle by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, paving the way for these projects to be included in the upcoming adjusted master plan.

The Vietnam Aviation Authority emphasizes that the addition of these two airports aims to: Harmonize airport planning with national, regional, and provincial development strategies; Meet the connectivity needs of emerging tourism, economic, and logistics hubs; Facilitate private investment; Promote tourism, trade, and regional connectivity; and Enhance national defense and security, particularly in the South Central and Central Highlands regions.

Once operational, Mang Den and Van Phong airports will serve as new connection points within the national airport system, playing a crucial role in the development of coastal and highland economic zones in the coming years.

The simultaneous development of these two airports, one on water and the other in the mountains, showcases Vietnam’s long-term strategic vision in expanding its aviation infrastructure. Beyond supporting economic, tourism, and trade growth, these projects are vital for national defense and improving connectivity in remote and mountainous areas.

Upon completion, Van Phong and Mang Den airports will not only be pioneering technical achievements but also key drivers of comprehensive development in the Central and Central Highlands regions.

Van Phong Airport – Vietnam’s First “Airport on the Sea”

According to the Aviation Authority, the North Central and South Central Coastal regions are experiencing rapid development, with Khanh Hoa positioned as a key growth hub and Van Phong as a strategic national logistics center.

The establishment of Van Phong Airport is considered a “critical point” to: Enhance international and inter-regional connectivity; Complete logistics infrastructure for seaports, industrial zones, and services; Drive modern maritime economic development; and Support national defense and security in the South Central region.

Van Phong Airport is planned to be constructed in Van Thang commune, Khanh Hoa province, approximately 65 km from Nha Trang, and will be entirely built on coastal waters—a first for Vietnam.

Spanning over 497 hectares, the airport construction area is free from residential areas, protected forests, or fishing harbors, optimizing land clearance costs.

Designed to meet 4E airport standards, Van Phong Airport will accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, serving both civilian and military purposes (Level I). The initial phase targets 1.5 million passengers annually, with a total investment of approximately VND 9,214 billion (excluding interest), expected to be completed before 2029.

However, the Ministry of Construction stresses the need for thorough technical solutions to ensure operational safety, especially given climate change and rising sea levels in Khanh Hoa.

Mang Den Airport – The Aviation Gateway to the Central Highlands

In the Central Highlands, Mang Den is designated as a national tourism area and serves as a “connection gateway” linking Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Quang Ngai, and Binh Dinh.

According to Kon Tum’s provincial plans, the Mang Den Tourism Area Master Plan, and Khanh Hoa’s provincial plan, Mang Den Airport is seen as a key infrastructure project to: Strengthen connectivity between the Central Highlands and the South Central Coast; Attract private investment in eco-tourism and resorts; Reduce travel time to Mang Den and linked tourist destinations; and Support economic, social, and national defense needs in the region.

Mang Den, often referred to as the “new Da Lat,” enjoys a year-round cool climate and growing tourism demand, but limited transportation connectivity makes the addition of an airport highly urgent.

Located in the mountainous area of Mang Den commune, Quang Ngai, Mang Den Airport is approximately 45 km from Kon Tum City. With a planned area of 350 hectares, the airport aims to handle 1 million passengers annually by 2030, with potential for further expansion.

Classified as a 4C airport under ICAO standards, Mang Den Airport will accommodate medium-range aircraft and play a vital role in connecting the Central Highlands with major economic centers.

The initial investment is approximately VND 5,000 billion, with 6.6% from the state budget for land clearance and the remainder from private investors under a PPP model. The payback period is estimated at 48.4 years.