Upcoming Renovations
Because of its proximity to the center of Hanoi compared to Noi Bai International Airport, part of Gia Lam Airport is expected to become a civilian airport in 2015, reserved for regional domestic airlines. This would allow passengers flying on short-haul flights, such as from Hanoi to Dien Bien, Vinh, or Na San Airport in the northern province of Son La, to depart from Gia Lam airport, only 10 minutes away from the centre of Hanoi, rather than Noi Bai airport, which is located about an hour's drive away from the city. The airport would retain military uses.
Gia Lam's 2000 m by 45 m runway is suitable for small, short-haul aircraft such as ATR 72 twin-turboprops or Fokker 70 jets, which are already operated by Vietnam Airlines as part of their fleet. Under the approved development plan, the parking yard will be upgraded to receive three ATR 72 or Fokker 70 aircraft by 2015, increasing to five by 2025. Its annual capacity is projected to be 162,000 passengers in 2015, increasing further to 300,000 passengers by 2025. The airport will be about the same size as Na San and Dien Bien airports, and will not be able to receive larger Airbus or Boeing aircraft, which will continue to be received at Noi Bai.
The renovations, which would allow the airport to meet the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, are estimated to cost VND 287 billion (USD 17.3 million). These include: building a new parking yard covering 13,720 square metres (3.39 acres) in 2015 and 20,750 square metres (5.13 acres) by 2025; building the new terminal, which is expected to serve 270 passengers an hour during peak hours; and other adjustments such as the expansion of Nguyen Son road, which is the main route into the airport from the city. The renovated airport would be managed by the Northern Airport Administration.
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