Airports are being positioned as strategic gateways in Dak Lak province’s transport infrastructure, expanding development space, strengthening inter-regional connectivity and providing a driving force for tourism, services and investment attraction.

The planning orientation and investment roadmap of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) for Tuy Hoa and Buon Ma Thuot airports are generating fresh expectations for the province’s next development phase.

Passengers at Tuy Hoa airport.

Recent operational data show steadily rising demand for air travel among local residents and enterprises. In the 2021-2025 period, passenger throughput at Tuy Hoa airport recorded an average annual growth rate of 13.8%, while Buon Ma Thuot airport posted growth of around 10% per year.

A notable positive signal is that the province’s airport system has been incorporated into the national master plan.

Under the plan approved by the Prime Minister, by 2030, Tuy Hoa airport is expected to reach a capacity of approximately 3 million passengers per year, while Buon Ma Thuot airport is projected to handle about 5 million passengers annually. For Tuy Hoa airport in particular, the detailed plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, was approved by the Ministry of Construction in early January 2026.

Alongside planning work, ACV is formulating its medium-term investment plan for 2026-2030, with priority given to airports located in the province.

At Tuy Hoa airport, total planned investment in civil aviation facilities is estimated at around 2.2 trillion VND, focusing on the construction of Terminal T2 with a capacity of 3 million passengers per year and the expansion of aircraft aprons. Other key components, including upgrades to the runway, taxiways and technical infrastructure systems, have also been proposed for investment using state budget funds, with the aim of ensuring operational safety and long-term sustainable development.

In parallel, the Ministry of Construction is finalising the planning dossier for Buon Ma Thuot airport for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. Once this plan is approved, ACV will prepare its investment plan and submit it to the Ministry of Finance for capital balancing and project preparation at the airport.

At the local level, Dak Lak provincial leaders have identified priority investment in aviation infrastructure-particularly Tuy Hoa airport-not only as a response to immediate travel needs but as a long-term strategic imperative. In the context of expanding development space linked to the marine economy, tourism and logistics, a modern, well-connected airport is viewed as a significant competitive advantage, supporting the realisation of sustainable development goals.

The province will continue to work closely with central ministries and ACV to address obstacles, facilitate project implementation and bring the facilities into effective operation at the earliest possible time, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Truong Cong Thai said.

Translated by KHUONG THAO