Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked relevant ministries, sectors and localities to accelerate construction of dual-use Gia Binh Airport in northern Bac Ninh province.

The project kicked off on December 10, 2024, with an investment capital estimated at over VND4.43 trillion ($174.6 million).

As a national key project, the airport will serve training and combat readiness missions for the People's Public Security Air Force and act as a backup for the Ministry of National Defence’s Air Defence – Air Force Service and regional airports during emergencies. It will also accommodate special flights for Party and State leaders, foreign dignitaries, and when conditions allow, facilitate cargo and passenger transport.

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

Chairing a meeting held in Hanoi on December 23 to discuss  the implementation of the project, the PM highlighted the urgent need for an additional dual-use airport in the Red River Delta, a key economic engine of northern Vietnam with Hanoi at its centre.

Currently, Noi Bai international airport is the sole airport serving the region, and despite recent expansions, it remains under immense pressure due to rapid growth.

The development of the Gia Binh airport is crucial to alleviating congestion at Noi Bai and support both national defence and economic development, the PM stressed.

He also instructed relevant ministries and agencies to study and build a road connecting Gia Binh airport with the center of Hanoi; and a logistics center at the airport to develop e-commerce, logistics and related aviation services.