In the most recent report to the government, the minister of transport explained the need for a new airport for Vietnam’s largest city.
According to the minister, Tan Son Nhat is a joint civilian and military airport and area for civilian flights only covers a total of 590ha. In addition, he said, the distance between runways does not meet ICAO’s requirements for the operation of two aircraft at the same time.
The airport was designed to have a maximum capacity of 25 million passengers per year, but statistics show that demand is growing. In the first nine months of this year alone, the number of passengers increased by 11%, compared to the same period last year, and the airport may reach its full capacity by 2016. The ministry predicts that by 2050, Tan Son Nhat would have to serve 40.4 million passengers.
If the expansion proposal were to be realised, government would have to clear ground, compensating 140,000 households in the process. The expansion would cost an USD9.1 billion, much higher than the amount of the first phase of Long Thanh Airport. Any expansion of Tan Son Nhat would also require synchronization of systems and equipment.
Tan Son Nhat is also located somewhat near the city centre, and is surrounded by residential districts.
Some other experts have suggested that a nearby military airport, Bien Hoa, could be expanded to serve HCM City’s growing demand. However, the minister disagrees, saying that Bien Hoa is a key military facility. He also pointed out that, if Bien Hoa were expanded, it would cost an estimated USD7.5 billion and the clearance of 6,000 households as a result of the dioxin-contaminated areas.
The minister also seemed to rule out the option of other regional airports taking on the overload, such as Can Tho, Lien Khuong and Cam Ranh. He said that each airport should serve its particular market.
The report underlined the urgency of construction on Long Thanh Airport because the project would take 10 years to complete.
Đăng ký: VietNam News