The Long Thanh International Airport is among the 16 most anticipated airport projects in the world with the largest total investment ever, emphasized Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the opening ceremony of the construction on the Long Thanh Airport project's first phase on January 5 in the southern province of Dong Nai.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and delegates attend the opening ceremony of the construction of the first phase of the Long Thanh project on January 5 in Dong Nai. Photo: VGP

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the prime minister said that infrastructure plays a vital role in socio-economic development and national defence and security. "Only with a solid infrastructure will big investors come and commit long-term investments in the region."

The Long Thanh International Airport, with a favorable geographical location, is expected to be equipped with the latest aviation technology and capable of handling various types of aircraft. When operational, the airport will boost domestic aviation and reduce overload at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meeting the growing demand for travel, especially in the southern key economic region. Designed to be an international air traffic hub for the region, the airport is expected to contribute 3-5% to national GDP.

The investor, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, is requested to implement the project in accordance with the law, ensuring the progress and quality, avoiding waste of the public fund and putting the first phase airport into operation in 2025 according to plan.

Mr. Phuc also requested authorities of provinces and cities in the South of Vietnam and the Ministry of Transport to soon work out plans to synchronize traffic infrastructure in the region with the Long Thanh Airport, including the development of urban areas, and the North-South high-speed railways so as to create a new growth engine, promote a new economic structure in favor of production and services and create new competitiveness for both the region and the national economy.

From now to 2030, Vietnam is classified among the ten countries with the highest aviation growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the International Aviation Organization.

By 2025, the number of air passengers in the Southern key economic region will reach over 65 million and over 80 million by 2030.