Proposed Ninh Binh International Airport Project: $1 Billion Investment, Operations Starting 2029

The Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Construction regarding a feasibility study for the establishment of Ninh Binh International Airport.

According to the proposal, five potential locations within the province were considered for the airport. The recommended site is situated across Binh Luc and Binh My communes, as well as Liem Tuyen Ward. It is approximately 7km from Phu Ly Ward, 21km from Nam Dinh Ward, 30km from Ninh Binh’s current city center, 19km from Tam Chuc Pagoda tourist area, 30km from Bai Dinh – Trang An tourist complex, and 15km from Hung Yen’s city center.

The proposed runway orientation is northwest to southeast. The planned area covers around 664 hectares, including 460 hectares for the airfield, 189 hectares for civilian aviation facilities, 15 hectares for military use, and 1 hectare for a VOR/DME navigation station.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with operations commencing in 2029.

Ninh Binh International Airport is designed to meet ICAO 4E standards for civilian aviation and Level I standards for military aviation. The preliminary total investment is around VND 23,216 billion, including land clearance costs but excluding interest payments.

Funding will come from both central and local government budgets, as well as private sector contributions, including equity and commercial loans sourced by investors. The projected payback period is approximately 27 years.

According to the Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee, the airport project will foster economic development in the southern Red River Delta region, particularly in Ninh Binh. It will facilitate the growth of urban areas, economic zones, industrial parks, tourism, and services, while also optimizing land use and driving economic restructuring in the region. The airport will enhance connectivity between key economic hubs.

If implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project will allow investors to manage operations, maintenance, and exploitation throughout the airport’s lifecycle, reducing the burden on state management resources.

For local residents, the airport will unlock the region’s potential, stimulate socio-economic development, and improve mobility, creating job opportunities and increasing incomes. It will also enhance safety, speed, and access to services for travelers.

For PPP investors, the project will provide access to capital, credit, joint ventures, and investment partnerships, enabling business expansion and the application of advanced technologies in state-led projects.