The Standing Deputy Prime Minister chaired a meeting on transport connections to Gia Binh International Airport on October 29.
Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung said the airport, approved by the National Assembly, is expected to handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030, rising to 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes by 2050.
Transport links are being studied towards Hanoi, the Capital Region's Ring Road 4, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, covering roads, urban rail, national railways and interregional rail services.
Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Ngoc Lam. (Photo: Phuong Nguyen)
Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Ngoc Lam stressed the need for a convenient, direct connection between Gia Binh airport and central Hanoi.
The Ministry of Public Security proposed that the Ministry of Construction work with Hanoi and Bac Ninh to review transport plans and identify suitable rail routes, minimising detours and multiple transfers for passengers.
Hanoi People's Committee Vice Chairman Truong Viet Dung said the city was studying an extension of Metro Line 8 through Bac Ninh to Gia Binh airport, with the two localities having broadly agreed on the proposed direction.
However, under the option being considered, passengers travelling from the airport to some parts of central Hanoi would still need to change lines.
Hanoi is considering hiring an independent consultant to review the alignment and forecast passenger demand.
Hanoi People's Committee Vice Chairman Truong Viet Dung. (Photo: Phuong Nguyen)
Describing Gia Binh airport as a project of particular importance, Pham Gia Tuc called for airport-area planning to be integrated with logistics, trade and services, ensuring coordinated development of transport infrastructure and airport facilities.
He asked Hanoi to propose rail connections linking Gia Binh International Airport, Noi Bai International Airport and central Hanoi, focusing on Metro Line 8 and related routes, station locations, interchange hubs and access to airport terminals.
The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasised the need to study a central interchange station connecting different rail lines to make journeys more convenient.
"Network planning must take account of passengers' actual journeys, minimising detours and multiple transfers, particularly for international travellers carrying luggage," he said.
He stressed that a direct, integrated rail connection between Gia Binh airport and central Hanoi should be examined carefully, taking account of both network planning and operations.
Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc delivers his concluding remarks at the meeting. (Photo: Phuong Nguyen)
Pham Gia Tuc also instructed Bac Ninh authorities to review planning, transport infrastructure and access to passenger terminals, cargo facilities and interchange hubs within their jurisdiction.
For road projects, he called for faster implementation while maintaining construction quality and safety.
He asked the Government Office to coordinate with the Ministry of Construction, Hanoi and relevant localities to arrange site inspections of Ring Road 4 and the Hanoi-Gia Binh road connection.
Authorities should resolve difficulties within their powers and promptly report issues requiring decisions at a higher level, he added.
