Vietnam: Phu Cat Airport expansion kicks off

Hanoi, January 19 (VNA) - Work on the expansion of Phu Cat Airport in the central coastal province of Binh Dinh, Vietnam commenced on January 17. The project, funded by the Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV) with a total investment capital of 500 billion VND (23.47 million USD), will include the construction of a terminal and expansion of the plane parking area to improve capacity and quality of service and ensure safety. The new terminal is designed to serve 600 passengers during rush hour and receive 1.5 million passengers per year. It is expected to be completed and become operational by early 2016. Meanwhile, the plane parking area will be capable of accommodate seven aircraft from the current four. Phu Cat Airport received 427,000 passengers and 1,340 tonnes of goods in 2014, an increase of 46.7 percent and 58.7 percent, respectively, compared with 2013. The national carrier Vietnam Airlines operates a return flight from the airport to Ha Noi once a day and two daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City. Meanwhile, Vietjet Air also operates one daily flight from Phu Cat Airport to HCM City. As of February 1 this year, Jetstar Pacific will begin flying from Phu Cat 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 the central and Central Highlands regions as well.