Phu Cat Airport, a key transportation hub in the South Central region, is on the verge of expansion and upgrades. The People’s Committee of Binh Dinh Province has recently submitted a document to the Ministry of National Defense and the Air Defense-Air Force Command, requesting the handover of nearly 110 hectares of defense land to construct Runway No. 2 and associated infrastructure.
Aerial view of Phu Cat Airport
Strategic Importance of Phu Cat Airport
According to Binh Dinh Province’s master plan for 2021-2030 with a vision toward 2050, Phu Cat Airport is identified as a critical factor driving socio-economic development and ensuring national security in the South Central region. It serves not only as a civil aviation hub but also holds strategic importance for defense missions.
However, the current runway has severely deteriorated after nearly 60 years of use, far exceeding its original design lifespan. Repairing or upgrading Runway No. 1 would require the airport to shut down for approximately 10-12 months. This would significantly disrupt civil aviation operations and negatively impact defense-related tasks.
Proposal for Building Runway No. 2
In light of these challenges, the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh Province has officially proposed the construction of Runway No. 2 along with synchronized technical infrastructure. The requested defense land includes:
- Nearly 76 hectares allocated for Runway No. 2.
- Over 29 hectares for connecting taxiways.
- More than 4 hectares for constructing service roads.
This project aims to ensure the airport can continue operating safely and efficiently without requiring a complete shutdown for repairs. Additionally, the new construction will meet the growing demand of passengers and boost tourism and commerce in the region.
Support from the Government and Ministry of Defense
The Phu Cat Airport expansion project has been assigned by the government to the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh Province as the lead investor. The Ministry of National Defense has also agreed in principle to the construction and expansion of the airport. However, for the project to proceed on schedule, the provincial committee is seeking prompt approval from the Ministry of National Defense and the Air Defense-Air Force Command regarding the handover of defense land.
Implementing this project will bring significant socio-economic benefits while strengthening defense capabilities and ensuring regional security in the South Central area. This strategic move aims to transform Phu Cat Airport into one of Vietnam’s most modern and vital airports.
Conclusion
The development of Phu Cat Airport not only reflects the economic potential of Binh Dinh Province but also underscores the strategic importance of the South Central region in the broader context of national development. Constructing Runway No. 2 and related infrastructure is an optimal solution to ensure the airport continues operating effectively, meeting the increasing demands of passengers and businesses.
For the project to achieve maximum success, close coordination between the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh Province, the Ministry of National Defense, and other stakeholders is essential. Let’s follow and support Binh Dinh Province’s efforts to make Phu Cat Airport a symbol of sustainable development in the region.
References
- Dân Trí Online Newspaper
- Master Plan for Binh Dinh Province Development 2021-2030.
