Vietnam Airport Development
Vietnam’s aviation sector is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by substantial investment in infrastructure, modernization of existing airports, and the construction of new international gateways. Under Decision No. 648/QĐ-TTg issued in June 2023, the Vietnamese Government approved the National Airport Development Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a Vision to 2050, setting ambitious goals for nationwide connectivity and capacity expansion.
By 2030, Vietnam aims to expand its network to 30 airports, up from the current 22, ensuring that over 95% of the population has access to an airport within 100 kilometers. The total designed capacity is expected to reach 294.5 million passengers annually, with an estimated investment requirement of USD 18 billion. Looking ahead to 2050, the country targets 33 airports capable of handling 533.5 million passengers per year, requiring an estimated USD 25.5 billion in total investment.
Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the country’s largest airport operator, currently manages a nationwide network of 21 airports. ACV is leading the development of the USD 5.5 billion Long Thanh International Airport Phase 1 and is also planning to expand and upgrade several key airports across Vietnam.
To support the airport development goals, the Vietnamese Government is promoting private sector participation through public-private partnership (PPP) models. One of the flagship PPP projects is Quang Tri Airport, the second such project in the country. It is being developed by a consortium comprising T&T Traffic Infrastructure Investment and Development Company and Cienco 4 Group JSC. Quang Tri Airport is planned as a Class 4C civil airport and Tier 2 military airfield, with a design capacity of 2 million passengers annually by 2030, expanding to 5 million by 2050.
In another major development, on April 3, 2025, Vietnam issued Decision No. 347/QĐ-BXD, officially adding Gia Binh International Airport to the national airport system. Located in Bac Ninh province, Gia Binh Airport is being developed by the Ministry of Public Security (Mobile Police Command). It is designed as a Class 4E dual-use airport, with a planned capacity of 5 million passengers annually by 2030, increasing to 15 million by 2050. The projected investment capital is USD 985 million by 2030, with an additional USD 465 million allocated through 2050 for both defense and commercial functions.
Opportunities for U.S. Exporters
Vietnam has been increasingly investing in airport technology to modernize its aviation infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and improve passenger experience. It offers substantial opportunities for U.S. exporters to introduce innovative solutions and technologies. Key areas for collaboration include:
- Biometrics & Smart Passenger Processing: Facial recognition with biometric technology at check-in, security, and boarding gates; E-gates; Contactless check-in kiosks and boarding systems
- Baggage Handling Systems (BHS): automated baggage handling with barcode tracking
- Passenger Boarding Bridge
- Safety and Security equipment: Smart Security Screening, Foreign Object Detection (FOD), Access control, and fire alarm system
- Digital Infrastructure & Passenger Experience
- 5G connectivity and IoT-enabled terminals
- Mobile apps for real-time flight info, indoor navigation, and personalized alerts
- Smart parking systems and automated toll collection for airport access roads
- Smart Airport Management Systems
- Trolley monitoring and tracking system, GPS vehicle tracking - Energy efficiency and related technologies
- Energy-efficient terminal designs, including solar energy use
- Electric ground support equipment (e-GSE) and carbon tracking tools - Visual docking guidance system
For more information, please contact Nga Hoang, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at Nga.Hoang@trade.gov or Thuy Nguyen, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service Hanoi, Vietnam, at Thuy.Nguyen@trade.gov.