Proposal to transfer to Ba Ria

Previously, voters in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province reported difficulties for both residents and tourists traveling between Con Dao and the mainland. They requested the early implementation of a project to upgrade and expand Con Dao airport.

While awaiting the upgrading and expansion of Con Dao Airport, it is proposed that solutions be implemented to encourage businesses and companies to invest in and operate flights between Con Dao and Saigon, and Con Dao and Can Tho, to eliminate the current "monopoly" situation. This would alleviate difficulties, meet the travel needs of residents and tourists, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the locality in the future.

The Ministry of Transport is reviewing and working with the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province to finalize the investment plan for Con Dao Airport.

In response to this issue, the Ministry of Transport stated that the investment plan for the renovation and upgrading of the runway and taxiway at Con Dao Airport has been approved by the Ministry of Transport.

During the feasibility study implementation, based on the proposal of the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province and following the direction of the Government leaders, the Ministry of Transport assigned relevant units and international consultants to review and study the development of a comprehensive and synchronized investment plan for all components of Con Dao Airport.

In September 2024, based on the research results of international consultants, the Ministry of Transport reported to the Prime Minister on the investment plan for the development of Con Dao Airport.

Accordingly, in order to invest in upgrading and expanding Con Dao Airport to ensure safe and efficient operation of medium-range aircraft, and to ensure synchronized investment, the Ministry of Transport has proposed allowing the continued implementation of investment in renovating and upgrading the runway and taxiway using public investment funds to soon put it into operation for medium-range aircraft, serving the travel needs of the people.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has issued a document requesting the Ministry of Transport to urgently implement, review, research, and promptly report to the Prime Minister on the investment plan for the Con Dao Airport project, with the report to the Prime Minister in October 2024.

At the same time, the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province is tasked with developing a plan for the investment, management, and operation of Con Dao Airport using the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) method, and submitting it to the Prime Minister for approval for implementation.

Following the Prime Minister's recent directive, the Ministry of Transport will continue to review and work with the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province to finalize the investment plan for Con Dao Airport in October 2024, as well as report to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval to soon implement the project to upgrade and expand Con Dao Airport, meeting the needs of air transport, tourism, and supporting local socio-economic development.

Regarding the encouragement of airlines to operate routes to Con Dao, the Ministry of Transport informed that, due to infrastructure limitations, Con Dao Airport currently cannot accommodate medium-sized aircraft (such as A319/A320) but only aircraft such as ATR72 and Embraer E190. Therefore, operations to Con Dao are somewhat limited.

After Bamboo Airways ceased operations on the Hanoi - Con Dao route, currently only Vietnam Airlines and VASCO (a branch of Vietnam Airlines) are using ATR72 aircraft to operate routes connecting Con Dao - Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao - Can Tho.

To improve civil aviation operations, the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam have requested and facilitated Vietnam Airlines to increase its operations to Con Dao, as well as encouraging other airlines to find aircraft types suitable for the infrastructure of Con Dao Airport.

This will contribute to increasing the supply capacity on air routes, adding more choices of air services for passengers, and better meeting the travel needs of the people.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/de-xuat-giao-ba-ria-vung-tau-lap-de-an-dau-tu-san-bay-con-dao-theo-phuong-thuc-ppp-192241019135602809.htm