During a meeting on 19/10 to discuss and sign cooperation agreements for developing flight networks, trade and tourism promotion, and digital transformation in Quang Tri province for the 2026-2030 period, Mr. Do Quang Hien, Executive Chairman of T&T Group, proposed a support mechanism for airlines to offset initial operational losses. "We hope Quang Tri province will research policies to support airline costs. Flying results in losses, but not flying presents difficulties," he stated.

Mr. Do Quang Hien speaks at the meeting. Photo: Dac Thanh

Dao Xuan Hoach, Vice Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, noted that the Ministry of Construction issued Circular 23, which outlines policies for managing civil aviation service prices. This regulation includes a 50% reduction in state-managed fees for 24 consecutive months for airlines operating at new airports or launching new routes. This policy aims to attract airlines to open new routes.

Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), suggested that direct provincial budget support for individual flights would be challenging. He proposed that the locality develop tourism combo packages, integrating golf courses and hotels, and then allocate funds from these packages to subsidize airline costs. The Trade and Investment Promotion Fund could also be explored as a source of support for flights.

Quang Tri Provincial Chairman Bui Hoang Phuong confirmed that the locality has been researching this issue. According to him, Gia Lai Provincial People's Council issued a resolution on policies to attract international tourists, which includes supporting VND 200 million per charter flight to the province.

In Quang Tri, the Provincial People's Committee assigned the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to research support policies. Mr. Phuong explained that direct financial support faces difficulties due to budget allocation regulations. He suggested that the province could consider supporting airlines with promotional and advertising activities to introduce the local image in conjunction with each flight.

The Provincial People's Council holds the authority to make decisions, and the Provincial People's Committee has assigned the Department of Finance to research and report to the council. "If you have charter flights to Quang Tri, no matter how difficult the province is, we will try to support VND 200 million per flight," Mr. Phuong said.

Regarding the proposal for subsidizing domestic flights, Quang Tri's provincial leadership stated that a comprehensive study would be conducted to determine a suitable approach for future implementation.

Representatives of ACV and T&T sign a memorandum of understanding on the operation of Quang Tri Airport on 19/10. Photo: Dac Thanh

In early July 2024, the joint venture of T&T Infrastructure Development and Investment Company, a member of T&T Group, and CIENCO4 commenced construction of Quang Tri Airport in Cua Viet commune. This project is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with a total investment exceeding VND 5.800 billion.

Under the revised plan, the airport's classification was upgraded from level 4C to level 4E, enabling it to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350. The design capacity is 5 million passengers and 25.500 tons of cargo annually.

After two years of construction, the project has achieved over 80% completion. The aircraft apron is finished, the runway and taxiway are approximately 98% complete, the passenger terminal is over 80% complete, and the air traffic control tower is over 90% complete. On 15/10, a Cessna 208 aircraft from the Survey and Mapping Company (SAMCOM), under the Department of Operations, Ministry of National Defense, conducted a flight to review, inspect, and evaluate static air safety.

Quang Tri Airport is expected to commence commercial operations in 3/2027. This will be the province's second airport, located nearly 100 km south of Dong Hoi Airport.