SZhe airport is expected to cover 201ha and will be upgraded at a cost of VND 3.54 trillion (USD 156.01 million). Of the sum, nearly VND 2.15 trillion (USD 94.6 million) will be spent from 2017-2020.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the airport will serve more domestic and international flights for civilians and the military. It is hoped to serve 300,000 passengers and handle 500 tons of cargoes per year by 2020 with flights to Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Cat Bi (Hai Phong city) airports.
By 2030, the airport is set to serve two million passengers and handle 10,000 tons of cargo a year. It is expected to link with Da Nang city’s airport and Tan Son Nhat airport of Ho Chi Minh City and airports in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and China.
The upgrade includes plans for terminals, platforms, administrative areas, non-aviation services, drainage and electricity systems, among others.
Mua A Son, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee said that the province holds great potential for tourism, especially heritage tourism with Dien Bien Phu historic site. However, Dien Bien Airport can currently only receive ATR72 airplanes or below and only operate routes between Dien Bien and Hanoi.
The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance the socio-economic development, tourism and transportation of Dien Bien, helping the province attract more investment.
Source: VNA