The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) submitted its master pan for Pleiku airport for approval from the Ministry of Transport (MoT) on August 16, detailing the development strategy for 2021-2030 and outlining the vision through 2050.

According to the CAAV proposal, Pleiku is set to be upgraded to a 4C classification and level II military airport by 2030, in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This enhancement will allow the airport to manage four million passengers and 4,500 tonnes of cargo each year.

The facility will feature 14 aircraft parking positions and will be equipped to handle aircraft such as the A320/A321 and their equivalents, while adhering to standard landing approach procedures. By 2050, the airport’s capacity is projected to rise to five million passengers and 12,000 tonnes of cargo annually, with an increase to 18 aircraft parking positions.

For the cargo terminal, a new building will be established to handle 4,500 tonnes of cargo annually between 2021-2030, with capacity increasing to 12,000 tonnes per year by 2050.

The CAAV's master plan was crafted by consultants using current airport data, economic growth trends, and factors such as tourism and trade services that impact passenger traffic. The plan incorporates projections and aligns with both regional and national development strategies to define the airport's functional areas. The chosen plan has been thoroughly researched to ensure optimal functionality, cost efficiency, and feasibility in the construction investment approach.

The authority has also advised the MoT to collaborate with Gia Lai People's Committee to integrate the master plan into the city’s general planning adjustments through 2045, which are currently underway. Furthermore, it is recommended that Pham Ngoc Thach road be designed with three traffic lanes, each 10.5m wide, a 10.0m wide median strip with landscaping, and 3m wide pavements on either side.

Recently, Pleiku airport has experienced rapid growth, with some key infrastructure items becoming overloaded and operational volumes exceeding previous forecasts.

Some of the existing facilities at the airport do not meet the safety standards required by ICAO, such as the distances between parallel taxiways and runways, as well as aircraft parking areas relative to taxiways. Therefore, it was necessary to review and update the master plan to ensure compliance with ICAO safety standards and facilitate long-term operational and developmental needs.

According to the CAAV, the planning for Pleiku aligns with the comprehensive national airport development strategy for 2021-2030 and the 2050 outlook, while addressing economic and social development needs, national security requirements, and the expansion of the aviation sector.