Vietnam is considering an unprecedented aviation project that would see an airport built on an artificial island off Nha Trang, a major tourism destination.
The Ministry of Construction has submitted amendments to the national airport master plan for 2021-2030 to the government for approval.
It includes a new 497-hectare airport at Van Phong, around 65 kilometers from Nha Trang, on land reclaimed from the sea, according to the government’s portal.
Nha Trang is seen from above. Photo by Tran Anh Khoa |
To be situated in Van Thang Commune, it is estimated to cost VND9.2 trillion (US$360 million) and handle around 1.5 million passengers annually by 2030, increasing to 2.5 million by 2050.
Authorities expect the airport to support regional economic growth, positioning Van Phong as a marine logistics and economic hub and enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism.
Offshore airports have been built in several Asian geographies.
Japan’s Kansai International Airport, built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay at a cost of some $20 billion, is among the most well-known examples.
Others include Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok, South Korea’s Incheon International Airport and Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, reflecting a global trend of building at sea if land is limited.
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