Viet Nam is mulling over the construction of its first offshore airport in the central province of Khanh Hoa in a bid to expand long-term aviation capacity.
A view of Vân Phong Economic Zone, Khanh Hoa Province
The Ministry of Construction has submitted a plan to the Prime Minister on revision to the national airport development strategy for 2021–2030, with a vision toward 2050.
The proposed revision includes the addition of two new airports—Mang Den and Van Phong—and an upgrade of Quang Tri Airport from category 4C to 4E to better meet future demand.
Under the proposal, Van Phong Airport would be located in Van Thang Commune, roughly 65 km from Nha Trang. Notably, the airport would be constructed entirely on coastal waters, covering an estimated 497 hectares. If realized, it would introduce a new model of aviation infrastructure in Viet Nam.
The airport is expected to meet 4E international standards, with a projected capacity of 1.5 million passengers annually by 2030, increasing to 2.5 million by 2050. Total investment for the project is estimated at around VND 9.214 trillion (approximately US$370 million).
If completed, Van Phong would become Viet Nam's first airport built on water.
While unprecedented in the country, similar projects have been successfully implemented elsewhere. A prominent example is Kansai International Airport in Japan, a massive project constructed on an artificial island in Osaka Bay about 40 km from Osaka. Initiated in the late 20th century, it faced significant engineering challenges, including unstable seabed conditions and the need for durable, lightweight construction materials.
Other major offshore or reclaimed-land airports include Hong Kong International Airport, which opened in 1998; Incheon International Airport, inaugurated in 2001; and Hamad International Airport. These examples highlight both the feasibility and complexity of building airports on water, offering valuable lessons as Viet Nam explores this ambitious direction.