A dual-use airport is coming soon to Tho Chu Island.

(Chinhphu.vn) - The Ministry of Construction has just approved the adjustment of the National Airport System Planning for the period 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050. In particular, Tho Chu Airport (An Giang) has been added to the National Airport System Planning with a total estimated investment of approximately 28,800 billion VND.

Tho Chu Island belongs to the Tho Chau archipelago, An Giang province.

Tho Chu Airport is located in An Giang province and is classified as a 4C airport (according to the International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO standards).

Tho Chu Airport has a designed capacity of 20,000 passengers per year.

For the period 2021-2030, the port is expected to have a designed capacity of approximately 20,000 passengers per year; with a vision to reach approximately 1 million passengers per year by 2050. The land requirement is approximately over 234 hectares, with an estimated investment cost according to the plan of approximately VND 28,800 billion for the period 2021-2030 and the vision to 2050.

In addition, the Ministry of Construction 's decision also adjusted the projected land area of ​​the overall airport system plan until 2030 to approximately 26,025 hectares.

The capital investment needed to develop the airport system by 2030 is approximately 514,000 billion VND, to be mobilized from the state budget, non-budgetary funds, and other legal sources of capital.

Other provisions remain unchanged according to Decision No. 648 dated June 7, 2023 of the Prime Minister and related amending decisions of the Minister of Construction.

Thus, after adding Tho Chu Airport, the National Airport System Planning for the period 2021-2030 identifies 32 airports nationwide, including 15 international airports and 17 domestic airports. The vision for 2050 is for the national airport network to increase to 35 airports, comprising 15 international airports and 20 domestic airports.

Tho Chu Island - the most important outpost island in the Southwest.

Earlier on November 19th, General Secretary To Lam visited the Tho Chau Special Economic Zone and emphasized that "this place is a pillar for maintaining peace in the entire Southwest sea region and the border of the Fatherland." He requested the Ministry of National Defense to study the feasibility of building a dual-use airport of level 4C, capable of serving aircraft such as the A320 and A321, while also considering the possibility of expanding to level 4E in the future to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the A350 and B787. The goal is to develop Tho Chau into a strategic pillar in the Southwest regional defense system.

Tho Chu is the largest island in the Tho Chau archipelago, located off the southwestern coast of Vietnam, in An Giang province. The archipelago consists of 8 islands of varying sizes with a total area of ​​nearly 1,394 hectares, of which Tho Chu island alone covers approximately 1,249 hectares and serves as the administrative, economic, and defense center of the Tho Chau special zone.

Tho Chu Island is located more than 100 km from Phu Quoc and about 220 km from Rach Gia, near the maritime border with Thailand and Cambodia. The island is identified as one of the most important frontier islands in the southwestern sea region.

The island's topography is relatively diverse. Much of its area is covered by primary forest, interspersed with low rocky slopes and small beaches. The highest peak on the island reaches approximately 167 meters above sea level, providing expansive views of the sea. Surrounding the island is a rich coral reef and seagrass ecosystem, with clear waters and depths suitable for anchoring ships in several natural locations.

The island currently has approximately 1,800 residents, including border guards, naval personnel, military units, and permanent residents. However, infrastructure conditions remain limited.

The island's internal transportation network is simple, and the service system is not well-developed. Access to the island depends entirely on sea routes, usually operating from Phu Quoc or Rach Gia. Travel time is long and easily disrupted by monsoon winds, making supply, rescue, medical, and personnel transport difficult.

These geographical features and infrastructure conditions necessitate enhanced accessibility to Tho Chu Island from both the central government and the mainland, especially given its crucial role in protecting national sovereignty.

An airport on Tho Chu Island, if implemented, would enhance troop mobility, shorten response times in emergencies, and significantly improve accessibility to the island. Beyond defense purposes, the aviation infrastructure would facilitate cargo transport, support medical services, boost resources for civilian development, and improve connectivity in the remote island region.

Phan Trang

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/sap-co-san-bay-luong-dung-บน-dao-tho-chu-102260507153502554.htm