Feedback sought for Ho Chi Minh City airport expansion plan

Following a mandate from the central government, the transport ministry has called on relevant agencies to review and evaluate the plan for Tan Son Nhat.

The scheme is estimated to cost over VND19.35 trillion (US$831 million) and is within the framework of the government's goals set for the year 2020, with a vision until 2030.

According to the proposition, the airfield’s current runway system will be unchanged by the plan and a new lane will be added to the existing line-up.

Two quick exit paths will also be built between the current runways, while extra taxiways will be added to facilitate aircraft movement.

The current airport apron will be expanded to an area covering 19,97 hectares currently managed by the Ministry of National Defense.

Another apron will be constructed in front of a soon to be built bimodal terminal that will expand Tan Son Nhat’s housing capacity from 83 aircraft to 89 aircraft.

The construction of the new bimodal terminal will also contribute to their goal of increasing the airdrome’s current capacity of 28 million passengers a year.

The Ministry of Transport is still considering two possible approaches to meet their vision for Tan Son Nhat.

The first plan suggests adding two new terminals, each with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers that would allow the airport to welcome 45 to 48 million travelers per year.

Meanwhile, the second plan includes only one bimodal terminal that would accommodate 15 million passengers per year, raising the airport’s annual capacity to 43 to 45 million passengers.

The long term outlook for Tan Son Nhat includes the expected expansion of the airport from 574.4 hectares to 628.9 hectares by 2030.