Vietnam is embarking on a transformative journey to reshape its Central Coast into a premier hub for international tourism, logistics, and sustainable urban growth through the development of a dual-airport system. A newly ratified master plan aims to position Da Nang International Airport and Chu Lai Airport as complementary international gateways, fueling the region’s economic ambitions and enhancing its global connectivity.
This initiative comes on the heels of the recent administrative merger between Da Nang and Quang Nam Province, a significant move that grants the unified locality the rare advantage of hosting two international airports within one jurisdiction. With backing from the Ministry of Construction, the dual-airport strategy is seen as a cornerstone for Central Vietnam’s development in the decades ahead.
Strategic Blueprint for a Connected Future
The blueprint envisions a coordinated aviation ecosystem where Da Nang International Airport serves as the primary hub for international passenger traffic, while Chu Lai Airport plays a supporting role in cargo operations, overflow capacity, and future aviation needs.
Forecasts from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) suggest that Da Nang Airport could handle 25 million passengers annually by 2030, rising to 30 million by 2050. In response, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is leading plans to expand both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, enhancing capacity, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, Chu Lai Airport, currently operating under lower capacity, will be upgraded to absorb growing regional logistics and aviation demands. Its role as a future international cargo and charter hub aligns with national goals for decentralizing traffic away from overburdened airports like Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Integrated Connectivity
Key to the success of this strategy is the integration of regional transport infrastructure. The Ministry of Construction, in collaboration with Da Nang authorities, is focusing on developing expressways, high-speed rail links, and smart mobility systems that will seamlessly connect the two airports.
This includes improvements to National Highway 1A and proposals to extend the North-South expressway, facilitating faster road travel across the Central Coast. Enhanced connectivity is also expected to drive tourism growth, especially in areas like Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, and the Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve, all of which stand to benefit from increased visitor arrivals.
A Model for Smart, Sustainable Cities
The dual-airport plan is part of Da Nang’s broader goal to become Vietnam’s first smart and sustainable city. The city has already launched multiple smart city pilot programs—ranging from digital public services to green urban planning—and the new airport system will integrate these elements into a cohesive urban mobility framework.
Under this vision, smart traffic control, AI-assisted logistics, and eco-friendly terminal design will be central features of the airports’ future operations. The master plan also aligns with Vietnam’s National Green Growth Strategy, which promotes the use of renewable energy, reduced carbon emissions, and environmentally responsible infrastructure investment.
ACV Takes the Lead in Planning
The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is the primary planning and investment entity overseeing the dual-airport transformation. It has committed to delivering detailed planning dossiers for both airports by September 2025, outlining expansion plans, environmental assessments, and feasibility studies.
Local governments, including the People’s Committees of Da Nang and Quang Nam, are actively involved in resolving land use and zoning issues that have previously delayed large-scale infrastructure projects. Officials have confirmed that legal frameworks for land clearance and investment incentives are being streamlined to accelerate construction timelines.
Economic and Tourism Impacts
Beyond aviation, the dual-airport model is expected to catalyze broad economic diversification in Central Vietnam. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Da Nang welcomed nearly 3.5 million international visitors in 2024, and that number is projected to rise sharply with improved air access.
Additionally, Chu Lai’s proximity to industrial parks and logistics zones, such as the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, positions it as a key freight and investment gateway. These developments aim to support not just tourism but also manufacturing, export services, and high-tech industries.
Toward a Unified Aviation Ecosystem
The combination of strategic airport planning, integrated urban mobility, and smart city principles makes the Da Nang–Chu Lai initiative a pioneering model for 21st-century infrastructure development in Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s approach underscores a national commitment to regional equity, environmental responsibility, and economic resilience.
As Vietnam’s Central Coast prepares to meet rising international travel demand and shifting economic trends, Da Nang and Chu Lai airports are poised to become dual engines of growth, supporting both global tourism ambitions and local prosperity.
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