Rushing to Upgrade Phu Cat Airport: A Race Against Time

In early 2026, the construction site of the second runway and auxiliary works at Phu Cat Airport (Gia Lai Province) buzzed with industrious activity. Mr. Cao The Tuan, Site Commander of ACC Aviation Construction Corporation, stated, “Our primary focus is on landfilling, with multiple teams working round-the-clock in three shifts. For over three months, engineers and workers have been on-site, working through holidays and Tet to meet deadlines.”

According to Mr. Tuan, over 500 vehicles and equipment are deployed for landfilling. The investor has handed over approximately 60% of the land, despite this being a large-scale, high-priority project requiring over 4.6 million m³ of fill material.

“The stable geology here facilitates smooth construction. We’re primarily using mechanized equipment, and progress aligns with the contract schedule until September 2026,” Mr. Tuan noted. Despite unpredictable weather, teams have persevered, maintaining uninterrupted progress.

As observed by Tien Phong reporters, hundreds of machines, vehicles, engineers, and workers create a dynamic, determined atmosphere across the vast site from the year’s start.

Teams diligently level and compact the ground following technical standards, while geologists continuously monitor foundation stability. Large excavators and trucks transport materials ceaselessly, creating a relentless work rhythm.

Gia Lai Province authorities emphasize Phu Cat Airport’s role in driving socioeconomic development and national defense for the South Central and Central Highlands regions.

However, the airport currently faces overcapacity, especially during peak tourism seasons and events. Critically, its 60-year-old concrete runway (nearly triple its design lifespan) has limited load capacity.

To maximize its strategic location and potential, Phu Cat Airport requires prioritized, sustainable modernization as a domestic hub with international routes. It serves as a key defense airport and military base, supporting Gia Lai’s economic growth, defense, and security, aligning with the 2021-2030 master plan and 2050 vision.

The VND 3.2 trillion project for the second runway and auxiliary works spans 2025-2028, managed by Gia Lai’s Transport and Civil Project Management Board. The main construction package, valued at nearly VND 1.96 trillion, is executed by the Truong Son – ACC – DACINCO consortium.

Upon completion, Phu Cat Airport will accommodate Code C aircraft (e.g., A320, A321) and potentially Code E aircraft, significantly enhancing its operational capacity.