An overview of Ly Son Island.
The Department of Construction of Quang Ngai Province announced the development plan for the airport on Ly Son Island on Wednesday. The airport spans just 10 square kilometres and is home to around 22,000 residents. Due to the island's mountainous terrain, land reclamation is necessary to meet the technical requirements for safe aircraft take-off and landing. This approach also provides additional space for essential infrastructure development.
The reclamation plan aligns with the provincial development strategy. It has been clearly outlined in both the master plan and the detailed urban planning of Ly Son, which have already been approved.
According to Pham Viet Ha, Deputy Director of the Quang Ngai Department of Construction, Ly Son Airport is expected to be a dual-use airport, serving both military and civilian purposes, and classified as a 4C-level airport.
The airport will be capable of handling aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and A321 and will have an estimated annual capacity of 3 to 3.5 million passengers.
In 2021, Quang Ngai's provincial government submitted a formal request to the prime minister for approval to include Ly Son Airport in the national airport development plan for 2021–2030, with a vision for 2050.
Under the proposed model, the Ministry of Defence will be responsible for the runway and air traffic control facilities. At the same time, the remaining infrastructure will be developed using a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model.
The province envisions Ly Son Airport becoming a driving force for the island district, reinforcing its strategic role in economic growth, tourism development, and national defence.
On February 9, during a working session with the Quang Ngai Provincial Party Standing Committee, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh provided important guidance on the airport project. He agreed, in principle, to assign Quang Ngai's People's Committee to lead the investment research process and proceed under a public-private partnership model.
The prime minister emphasised the need for careful consideration, stressing co-ordination with the Ministry of Defence and maintaining the airport's dual-use nature. He stated that the airport should serve both tourism and security purposes and advised that construction should only move forward if it proves beneficial and feasible. The airport's scale should also be appropriate for efficient operation.
Located 17 nautical miles off the mainland, Ly Son Island is a volcanic island renowned for its dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich marine life. It is also famous for its fresh seafood and signature garlic crop and welcomes over 200,000 tourists annually.
