Vietnam’s southernmost Ca Mau Airport set for $95 mln upgrade

State-run airport operator Airport Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) will invest VND2,400 billion ($95.26 million) to upgrade and expand the Ca Mau Airport in the eponymous southernmost province, enabling it to accommodate large aircraft.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed a decision approving the project’s investment plan under which ACV will contribute 100% of the outlay

The upgrade will enable the airport to welcome A320, A321 and other equivalent aircraft.

Officials said the project would generate momentum for economic, cultural and social development while ensuring national security and defense.

The upgrade will include: a 2,400m × 45m runway; a 128m × 15m taxiway; and a 182m x 112.5m aircraft parking lot in the southern area.

It will also renovate and expand the existing passenger terminal to accommodate 500,000 passengers per year (expandable to double this capacity when needed).

The investor will also build a number of other synchronous auxiliary works like traffic roads connecting the new aircraft parking lot to the passenger terminal area, off-site parking lots, fire emergency stations, security fence systems and synchronous belt roads.

Per government approval, the project will have an operating period of 50 years, with an implementation period of 18 months from the date of land allocation.

Deputy PM Ha has assigned the Ca Mau People's Committee the task of allocating land for the project according to the land use plan and airport plan approved by competent state agencies.

The province also has to inspect and supervise implementation of the project in accordance with the law and the Prime Minister’s direction.

Ca Mau will coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in directing ACV to carry out the procedures for assessing the environmental impact of the project, ensuring that the implementation complies with the provisions of law on environmental protection.

The province will coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to direct relevant units and guide ACV in implementing tax incentives and related policies; and to promptly resolve difficulties that arise in organizing and implementing the project.

Ha instructed the Ministry of Transport to coordinate and guide ACV in reviewing and completing the project dossier, ensuring safe flight procedure and maximizing the role and effectiveness of project investment.

The finance ministry will work with the transport ministry on guiding ACV in formulating a plan to manage existing airport infrastructure assets invested and managed by the State at the airport, ensuring compliance with the law on management and use of public assets.

The Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises will be responsible for ensuring financial investment efficiency. It will monitor and evaluate project investment, promptly report violations and performs other assigned functions and tasks.