On the afternoon of 8/12, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh addressed the National Assembly regarding the investment policy for Gia Binh International Airport. He stated that the project represents a strategic and groundbreaking decision to restructure the capital region's aviation network. Research indicates that Noi Bai International Airport is currently overloaded, with expansion plans facing challenges due to high land acquisition costs, particularly for establishing independent runways.

According to the Minister, Gia Binh Airport will help alleviate the burden on Noi Bai while restructuring the aviation network into a multi-center model. The simultaneous operation of multiple airports within a single region is a practice adopted by many countries. Air traffic control authorities will establish a common airspace, with each flight path designed using satellite navigation to maintain safe distances and reduce potential conflicts.

Gia Binh International Airport will be situated in Gia Binh, Luong Tai, Nhan Thang, and Lam Thao communes of Bac Ninh province. It will be built to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 4F standard. The airport is projected to handle approximately 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo annually by 2030, increasing to 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tons of cargo by 2050. The total investment for the project is estimated at 196.37 trillion VND, to be implemented in two phases using investor capital.

Addressing concerns about the relocation of historical relics and residential areas, Minister Minh stated that construction would involve solutions to preserve the architectural integrity of relics. Relocation efforts would align with residents' wishes and conservation regulations. In addition to compensation, the project includes financial support to help residents stabilize their lives in new resettlement areas, a task to be carried out by local authorities in accordance with regulations.

Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh. *Photo: Hoang Phong*

Earlier, National Assembly delegate Duong Khac Mai, Deputy Head of the Lam Dong delegation, expressed his agreement with the project's investment policy. He noted that Gia Binh International Airport would open new development opportunities for the region, particularly in manufacturing and processing industries, logistics, trade, and aviation support industries. However, he recommended a review to ensure consistency with Bac Ninh province's planning after consolidation, especially given the large land area required, much of which is two-crop rice land.

Delegate Mai also highlighted that converting rice land to non-agricultural purposes is irreversible. He urged careful calculation to minimize the impact on food security, especially in the context of climate change. Regarding technical indicators such as "five-star" and "zero carbon," he proposed clearer quantification to ensure financial viability and prevent cost overruns and delayed payback periods.

Delegate Tran Van Tien of the Phu Tho delegation stated that the project's total investment is 196 trillion VND, with owner's equity accounting for 15% and the remainder mobilized from legal sources, without using state capital. However, the project documentation mentions state budget participation for technical infrastructure, including cemeteries, religious structures, resettlement, schools, irrigation, transport, and electricity. Delegate Tien requested clarification on the scale of state capital involved, its allocation sources, and the recovery timeline to ensure the project's feasibility.

Son Ha