Gia Binh International Airport set to become new driver of national growth

Vietnam’s aviation sector is entering a pivotal period as many national infrastructure projects move into accelerated implementation.

Notably, Gia Binh International Airport in Bac Ninh province, the largest privately-invested airport project in the country's history, last Thursday received the National Assembly's approval with broad support. It is expected to strengthen the country’s position on the global and regional aviation map.

Masterise Group has been selected by the Government and the Ministry of Public Security as investor of this gigantic project for its capacity in project development and governance as well as experience working with global partners.

The investor aims to build Gia Binh to international standards, marking a new era for Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure.

The Government has set a target of maintaining double-digit economic growth from 2026 to 2030, and many lawmakers say aviation infrastructure will play a key role in sustaining the economic expansion.

Infrastructure first to drive growth

Under the 2026 socio-economic development plan approved by the National Assembly, the country's legislative body, transport and infrastructure remain a central investment focus, with major projects across rails, aviation and seaports.

Aviation, in particular, has emerged as a strategic priority as Vietnam expands connectivity in a period of deeper global integration. The country's aviation market has grown rapidly over the past decade, with average annual growth of about 18%. It is now among the world’s five fastest-growing aviation markets and the fastest in Southeast Asia.

The sharp increase in air transport demand has put significant pressure on existing airport infrastructure, prompting planners to introduce new capacity into the national airport network.

Lawmakers say the Gia Binh International Airport project is a strategic step that will reshape the capital region’s aviation network under a “dual-hub” model used in major cities such as London and Tokyo.

Beyond the airport itself, Masterise Group has committed to developing an associated ecosystem of infrastructure. Gia Binh Airport is planned as a twin hub supporting Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport.

Tran Van Khai, a National Assembly member representing Ninh Binh province, said Bac Ninh - already a major electronics manufacturing hub - will gain a direct international gateway. “Goods can be flown straight to global markets, and international experts and tourists can arrive directly in Bac Ninh. This will create new investment momentum,” he commented.

Khai added that the airport presents a “golden opportunity” to restructure the economy of Bac Ninh and the broader Northern Key Economic Region, enabling them to move up the global value chain. He said the project reflects the Government’s direction to reduce dependence on state budgets and encourage private investment in major infrastructure works.

The airport is expected to reduce pressure on Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport while supporting development across Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong and Hung Yen provinces. With its location near high-tech industrial parks, Gia Binh is positioned to become a logistics growth engine for northern Vietnam.

The airport is also planned as a next-generation smart airport, integrating full biometric processing, automated operations and ESG-compliant design. Its terminal is expected to include premium services to meet international passenger standards.

The project aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

Boosting competitiveness

At the airport’s groundbreaking ceremony in late 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam must “focus on developing aerospace, maritime and underground space.”

While aerospace development includes scientific exploration, he noted that its economic significance lies primarily in expanding and efficiently operating aviation infrastructure.

The prime minister called aviation, maritime, and underground infrastructure new drivers of growth that will help boost productivity in a densely populated country.

Architect Tran Ngoc Chinh, chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, said new airports are essential for trade and transport connectivity. He added that airports serve dual purposes for both defense and economic development. If effectively developed, Chinh added, aviation can generate significant economic benefits and act as a major growth catalyst.

Building strong aviation infrastructure is therefore viewed as critical to national development planning. Private funding for Gia Binh International Airport will also ease pressure on public investment while supporting transportation, defense, and diplomatic needs.

A revised draft of the Civil Aviation Law has strengthened mechanisms to attract private investment and expand the public-private partnership model, particularly for local airports and specialized aviation facilities. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man said breakthrough policies are needed to encourage private capital into the sector.

Completing the national aviation infrastructure system is seen as essential for achieving the Government’s goal of double-digit growth in 2026 and beyond. Projects such as Long Thanh International Airport and Gia Binh International Airport are expected to enhance Vietnam’s global profile and competitiveness while creating new momentum for economic expansion.