Construction of dual-use Gia Binh Airport in northern Bac Ninh province kicked off on December 10 with an estimated investment capital of over VND4.43 trillion ($174.6 million).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony, held by the Ministry of Public Security - the investor of the project.  

Gia Binh Airport, based in the district of the same name, is a specialised security - defence facility.  It will serve cargo and passenger transportation when requested and qualified.

The project (first phase) is expected to be completed within 18 months.

The airport will serve flight command, training, and combat readiness of the Vietnam People's Public Security air force.

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Gia Binh Airport is a nationally key project with a particularly important role in the country's defence and security infrastructure.

The PM asked Bac Ninh authorities to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to implement the first phase and prepare for the second phase. He also emphasized the need to construct a road from the airport to downtown Hanoi.