Phan Thiet Airport Turns Long-Held Aspirations Into Reality
After years of anticipation, the civil aviation component of Phan Thiet Airport has officially broken ground and is expected to be completed and put into operation within the next two years.
The event not only meets the long-held hopes of the local community and officials but also creates new possibilities for economic progress and development in eastern Lam Dong Province.
Expectations for a Tourism Breakthrough
Phan Thiet and Mui Ne (Lam Dong Province) have consistently been recognized as prominent tourist destinations for both domestic and international visitors. Nevertheless, the area has struggled for many years without a civil airport, which has hindered travel, economic interactions, and particularly tourism connections.
Vu Thi Ngoc Lien, a retired local from Phan Thiet Ward, shared her enthusiasm as she watched the groundbreaking ceremony for the civil aviation component of Phan Thiet Airport on LTV television on the morning of April 27, 2026.
The absence of an airport has caused numerous travel challenges for local residents, who have had to journey to Ho Chi Minh City or Khanh Hoa Province to catch flights, creating significant inconvenience. The commencement of construction for the airport, with its anticipated launch in 2027, has sparked considerable enthusiasm and hope among the local community.
Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Secretary of the Party Committee of Mui Ne Ward Pham Van Nam expressed that the initiation of the civil aviation segment of Phan Thiet Airport marks a significant achievement that meets the aspirations and expectations of both officials and residents throughout the province.
According to Pham Van Nam, the civil aviation component is key to completing Phan Thiet Airport, marking a major step forward in transport infrastructure and strengthening the South Central Coast’s connectivity with major domestic and international hubs.
Furthermore, the airport is anticipated to serve as a key catalyst for fast and sustainable tourism growth, drawing in more tourists to Mui Ne, which has recently been recognized as one of the top 10 trending destinations for 2026.
The Party Secretary of Mui Ne Ward added that the project would also stimulate economic growth, attract investment and boost the real estate market in the locality and surrounding areas. He emphasized the significance of the new investment model using private capital while utilizing existing military infrastructure, effectively combining defense and economic development.
A driving force for Lam Dong’s economic takeoff
The civil aviation component of Phan Thiet Airport officially broke ground with a total investment of more than VND 3.9 trillion. Covering nearly 75 hectares, the airport is planned according to 4E international standards, with a phase-one capacity of approximately two million passengers per year. The project is invested in by Sun Group.
The Phan Thiet civil airport project plays a strategic role in the South Central Coast aviation network and strengthens connectivity with the southern key economic region. The project will contribute to attracting investment and developing high-quality trade, services and tourism, particularly in eastern Lam Dong Province
Ho Van Muoi, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Lam Dong Province
"We have strategically designed the infrastructure in eastern Lam Dong Province to align with the anticipated demands once the airport is operational, particularly in relation to tourism growth associated with coastal road initiatives.
Currently, the region is working on a 60,000-hectare coastal economic zone situated roughly 70 kilometers from the airport. This area is viewed as a vital ecosystem that will draw both local and international investors once the airport starts functioning,” Chairman of the People’s Committee of Lam Dong Province Ho Van Muoi stated.
These accomplishments showcase not only the strong dedication and effort of Lam Dong Province's leaders in fulfilling the aspirations of residents and businesses but also illustrate the province’s commitment to fostering private-sector growth in accordance with Resolution No. 68.
The initiative clearly emphasizes the local government’s collaborative spirit with businesses and citizens, along with its resolve to achieve double-digit economic growth in the foreseeable future.
As per commitments made by Sun Group, the civil aviation aspect of Phan Thiet Airport is set to be finished and operational by 2027, contributing to the region's socio-economic development.