Under a master plan approved in 2023, the airport is scheduled to reach 4C standard after 2030. However, the provincial People’s Committee said the scale would be insufficient given rising demand and revised socio-economic goals.
Cao Bang, a strategically located border province, is a key trade gateway to China and part of regional corridors. With major expressways such as Dong Dang–Tra Linh and Bac Kan-Cao Bang under development, demand for a larger airport is rising.
Upgrading to 4E would enable the airport to handle wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 or A330, supporting international routes and large-scale cargo operations.
The airport is envisioned as an integrated transport hub linked to major expressways including CT07 and CT10, strengthening regional and international connectivity.
The province has asked the Ministry of Construction to coordinate with relevant agencies, including defence and aviation authorities, to assess and determine the optimal site.
Separately, the Ministry of Construction has submitted to the prime minister an outline to revise the national airport network plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. The proposal includes adding Mang Den and Van Phong airports and upgrading Quang Tri Airport from 4C to 4E, but does not mention Cao Bang Airport.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the updated plan envisions 33 airports nationwide by 2030, rising to 36 by 2050.
