The model of Phu Cat Airport. It's expected to help lure more investment to the province and its central and central highlands regions as well. – Photo Vietnamairport.vn

HA NOI (Biz Hub) – The expansion of the Phu Cat Airport in the central coastal province of Binh Dinh will commence on January 17, the Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV) reported.

The project, funded by the ACV with a total investment capital of VND500 billion (US$23.47 million), will include the construction of a terminal and expansion of the plane parking area to improve capacity and quality of service and ensure safety.

It will also facilitate flights' passage and meet growing demand in the future.

The new terminal is designed to serve 600 passengers during rush hour and receives 1.5 million passengers per year. It is expected to be completed and become operational by 2016.

It received 427,000 passengers and 1,340 tonnes of goods in 2014, an increase of 46.7 per cent and 58.7 per cent, respectively, compared with 2013.

The national carrier Vietnam Airlines operates a return flight from Quy Nhon to Ha Noi once a day and a flight from Quy Nhon to HCM City twice a day at the airport.

Meanwhile, Vietjet Air also operates in the route Quy Nhon–HCM City route through one flight a day. As of February 1 this year, the Jestar Pacific will begin flying from Quy Nhon to HCM City with one flight a day.

The Phu Cat Airport holds an important position in the province's socio-economic development strategy. After completion, it is expected to help lure more investment to the province and its central and central highlands regions as well. – VNS