Quang Ninh: Van Don international airport to be operational in April 2018

The provincial People’s Committee directed the Department of Transport to work with the Van Don Investment and Development Joint Stock Company to complete procedures on planning and investment for the airport while ensuring it is put into operation before April 1, 2018.

The committee asked the Department of Tourism to collaborate with the Van Don Investment and Development JSC to build plans for market-launching activities to open air routes for the airport, then report to the committee by the end of October.

Quang Ninh also proposed Sun Group and Van Don Investment and Development JSC finalise investment and legal procedures to operate the airport and contact with airlines like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air to ask for support.

The two companies were requested to propose preferential policies for airlines and passengers to encourage the launch of air routes to Van Don international airport.

The construction of the Quang Ninh airport began in 2015 under the build-operate-transfer form with total investment of nearly VND7.5 trillion (US$330 million) by Sun Group. Quang Ninh province also invested VND700 billion (US$30.8 million) for land clearance.

So far, a 3.6km runway has been completed. Sun Group is also constructing other facilities, including a terminal and air traffic control tower.

The northern province of Quang Ninh has a coastline of more than 250 kilometres and some 2,000 islets which account for two-thirds of the total in Vietnam. 

The spectacular stretch of coast connects the UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay with majestic natural scenery, Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don and Co To islands and Tra Co beach with Cat Ba National Park in the northern port city of Hai Phong.

Along with the renowned Ha Long Bay, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, Dai beaches in Van Don island district and Tra Co and Vinh Thuc in Mong Cai city have grown in stature among tourists thanks to their breathtaking seas and coral reefs.

Under a plan for tourism development in Quang Ninh, the province hopes to become an international tourism centre and a leading tourism destination in Vietnam with modern infrastructure and diverse, competitive tourism products. 

In 2016, Quang Ninh welcomed 8.3 million tourist arrivals, a year-on-year increase of seven percent, and earned over VND13 trillion (US$571 million) in revenue, up 23%, according to the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism.