An image of Quang Ninh International Airport in Van Don Island District. — Photo baoquangninh.com

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The northern Quang Ninh province has decided to delay the commencement of construction of Quang Ninh International Airport, the provincial government website reported.

The decision was made after Deputy Chairman of provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Thanh visited the project site. Although contractors have been actively working on various aspect of the project, the erratic and rainy weather and long Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday affected its progress.

The date of start of construction on the airport, earlier planned for March 27, has not been announced.

Thanh asked the management board of Van Don Economic Zone, investors and relevant sectors to quickly complete necessary work to start the construction at a suitable time.

The airport will be built on 248.6ha in Van Don Island District's Economic Zone, with an estimated investment capital of VND7.49 trillion ($351.8 million), including the costs for site clearance.

Upon its completion, the airport will be able to handle more than six million passengers annually, and will have a 3.8km-long runway to accommodate large aircraft such as Boeing 747s. By 2026, the second runway will be built to allow the operation of the Airbus A380. — VNS