Accordingly, the ACV has proposed that the ministry (MoT) does not select the architectural plans of the airport terminal and air traffic control (ATC) tower through holding tests. Instead, this will become one criterion to select the consultant who will conduct the project’s feasibility study (FS). 

The ACV has also proposed that the MoT allow the FS drawing consultant to act as the design consultant for the whole project after tests and appraisals show the design consultant is up to par in capacity and experience. 

As with the ATC tower component, the ACV suggested that the MoT assign Vietnam Air Management Corporation (VATM) to act as the developer. The ACV would pair with the VATM in the ATC tower’s planning and exploitation at a later time. 

Site clearance and compensation related to the airport project was proposed to be put underway from 2016 with the Dong Nai Province People’s Committee in charge. 

Regarding the airport project’s progress, the ACV has proposed submission and approval of draft FS by August 2015, holding the bid to select the FS drawing consultant in October 2015, approving this selection by April 2016, negotiating and signing contracts with the selected consultant in June 2016, approving the FS in July 2017, selecting building contractors for project implementation from 2019 and beginning the first phase of the airport commercial operation by 2023. 

At its recent 9th session, the National Assembly has approved the investment policy for the airport. It is expected to become an important international airport for the country and an aviation hub of the region, with a capacity of 100 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo per year.

The first phase will have one runway and one passenger terminal, as well as other essential facilities, with a capacity of 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo per year. According to current plans, it is to be put into operation by no later than 2025.

Earlier, at a meeting between Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Fukada Hiroshi and Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang, the ambassador expressed Japan’s interest in joining the project as soon as Vietnam makes positive steps to create favourable conditions for Japanese corporate participation and allows the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to study this project. Japan also considers providing ODA loans for the project.