The proposal designates Thanh Son airport, located in Do Vinh ward, as a domestic airport. For the phase 2021-2030, the airport is designed to handle 1,5 million passengers annually. It will meet the 4C standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), enabling it to operate narrow-body, medium-range aircraft for domestic and regional routes.

The airport will feature 7 aircraft parking positions, accommodating code C narrow-body aircraft such as the A319, A320, A321, and B737, and similar models. It will also be capable of receiving code E wide-body aircraft when necessary.

Regarding runway infrastructure, by 2030, the airport will retain its existing runway, which is 3,050 m long and 45 m wide, along with regulated material shoulders. Additionally, a new runway, designated 04R/22L, is planned. It will have similar dimensions and be located approximately 300 m southeast of the existing runway.

By 2050, the airport's capacity is projected to increase to approximately 3 million passengers annually, with 16 aircraft parking positions. Runway 04R/22L will be extended northeast, reaching a length of 3,500 m, to meet long-term operational demands.

Simulation of Thanh Son airport's planning. *Graphics assisted by AI*

A new passenger terminal is planned for construction on a plot of land covering approximately 135,600 m2. This terminal will initially accommodate 1,5 million passengers annually. By 2050, the terminal will be expanded to double its capacity.

Initially, cargo operations will be integrated within the passenger terminal. In the long term, by 2050, the airport will feature a dedicated cargo terminal with a capacity of approximately 15,000 tons annually, spanning an area of nearly 14,000 m2.

Thanh Son currently operates as a Class I military airport, featuring a relatively complete system of runways, taxiways, and aprons. This provides a favorable foundation for developing a dual-use airport model, serving both socioeconomic development and ensuring national defense and security requirements.

According to the National Airport System Development Master Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, Thanh Son is designated as a 4C-class domestic airport with dual-use operations. Its projected capacity is 1,5 million passengers annually by 2030 and approximately 3 million passengers annually by 2050.

Anh Duy