Proposed VND39 trillion expansion to boost Cam Ranh Airport capacity to 36 million passengers annually
Cam Ranh International Airport is set for a major expansion with a proposed capacity target of 36 million passengers and 100,000 tonnes of cargo per year by 2050, requiring a total estimated investment of more than VND39 trillion.
As one of the 21 airports managed and operated by Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), Cam Ranh Airport continues to play a key role as an international gateway for Vietnam’s South Central Coast region, particularly amid the strong growth of tourism and international connectivity to Khanh Hoa Province in recent years.
Under the master plan for 2021–2030, the airport is expected to handle approximately 19 million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of cargo annually. By 2050, total passenger capacity is projected to nearly double to around 36 million passengers per year.
The airport is planned to meet ICAO 4E standards, enabling operations of wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747, Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. One of the key components of the expansion plan is the restructuring of the runway system to enhance operational capacity. The existing 02R/20L runway will remain in operation, while runway 02L/20R will be newly constructed with a length of approximately 3,350 metres to accommodate larger aircraft in the future.
In parallel, the taxiway and aircraft apron systems will also be expanded. By 2030, the airport is expected to provide around 45 aircraft parking stands, increasing to approximately 70 stands by 2050, helping improve operational efficiency and ground handling capacity.
Passenger terminal facilities will be developed in multiple phases. By 2030, a new T1 terminal with a capacity of around 10 million passengers per year is expected to be built, while Terminal 2 will be expanded to accommodate approximately 8 million passengers annually, bringing the airport’s total capacity to around 19 million passengers per year. In the following phase, a new T3 terminal and further terminal expansions are planned to achieve the long-term target of 36 million passengers annually by 2050.
Beyond passenger transport, Cam Ranh’s air cargo and logistics infrastructure is also planned for significant expansion, with cargo handling capacity projected to reach 100,000 tonnes annually after 2030. The master plan also reserves land for the future development of a new air traffic control tower and additional technical infrastructure to support long-term operational growth.
As Khanh Hoa continues strengthening its position as one of Vietnam’s leading international tourism destinations, the expansion of Cam Ranh International Airport is expected to serve as a major driver for economic growth, tourism development and enhanced international connectivity across the South Central Coast region.