Aviation authority proposes raising upgrade cost for Con Dao airport

The new plan will cost VND3.2 trillion ($140 million) instead of over $2.3 trillion as stated in the previous plan that had already been approved last year by the Ministry of Transport.

Under CAAV plan, the airport on the eponymous tourist island will be upgraded in six-eight months from the first quarter of 2023, it said at a Thursday meeting with authorities of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.

The project will serve to enlarge the width of the airport's runway, which stretches 1,830 meters long, from 30 to 45 meters, build a new taxiway, and lengthen three others, the CAAV confirmed.

The airport’s parking lot will also be widened to serve eight aircraft instead of only four as currently.

The airport will also have its internal traffic system, petroleum depot, station, and ancillary works upgraded to ensure it could operate around the clock.

After being upgraded to serve both military and civil purposes, it will have a capacity of two million passengers and 4,400 tons of cargo per year. It can serve Airbus A320, A321, and equivalent aircraft.

Con Dao Airport was first built by the French in the 20th century and upgraded in 2003 for commercial use. At present, it is closed at night because it does not have a runway lighting system.

An archipelago in southern Vietnam comprising 16 pristine islands, Con Dao boasts a diversified marine ecosystem and rich history, making it one of the top tourist destinations that attract not just local but foreign tourists.

The island reopened tourism activities following Covid lockdown in November last year.