The Ministry of Transport has proposed a plan to upgrade runways at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports, the nation’s two largest and busiest airports, which would cost around VND4.2 trillion (US$184 million).

In the document submitted to the Government, the ministry said that the renovation of two runways at these airports was urgent as they pose potential risks to aviation safety.

The move was made after the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the operator of domestic civilian airports, reported that the runways at the two airports in Ha Noi and HCM City have become seriously degraded.

Cracks and subsidence had appeared on the surface of the runways. Some parts were reported as getting muddy in rainy weather, impacting the operations of large airplanes.

The ministry has estimated that total investment capital for upgrading the runways at the two airports would cost roughly $184 million. Work on the security fence system and other roads would cost around VND256 billion ($11.2 million).

Regarding the source of funds, the ministry said it had revised its budget and found that it would not be enough to carry out the project. It proposed the Government allocate funds of VND4.4 trillion ($193 million) for the project.

It also asked the Government to consider the use of revenues from the operation of airfields or from the investment and development fund of the ACV for the project in case State budget could not be allocated to the project.

Previously, the ACV proposed the ministry draw up plans on repairing the runways at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports.

The runway 25R/07L at Tan Son Nhat International Airport was designed to handle 55,100 takeoffs and landings over ten years, but had surpassed 126,600 by this April.

Runway 11R/29L at Noi Bai International Airport was made to handle 10,500 takeoffs and landings over 20 years, but this number has reached 284,200.

The overloading of the two runways has led to cracks and subsidence. In addition, the two airports have planned to put into use airplanes with larger capacities, such as A350-900 or B787-9. Thus, the upgrade of these runways was necessary and urgent.

Currently, the two airports serve 64 million passengers. Of that, Tan Son Nhat Airport transported 38 million passengers and Noi Bai Airport transported 26 million passengers. — VNS