Transport Minister Dinh La Thang attends the ground breaking ceremony for Cat Bi International Airport’s construction in the northern city of Hai Phong yesterday. - VNA/VNS Photo Lam Khanh

At a cost of VND1.5 trillion (US$71.4 million), the terminal will include modern equipment and cover an area of over 15,600 sq.m. The capacity is expected to reach 4 million passengers per year, with 1,000 passengers served at rush hour.

The current terminal is only 2,650 sq.m in size and can accommodate only 300 passengers at rush hour. The total capacity last year was 800,000 persons.

The terminal cannot meet current demand at the airport, which is now being expanded, ACV said.

The new terminal would also help improve infrastructure as well as safety and services for all flights.

It will aid connections between Hai Phong and other provinces and cities in the country as well as in the region, contributing to the city’s socio-economic development.

Cat Bi International Airport is located in Hai An District of Hai Phong City.

The airport has played an important role in developing the socio-economy of the city and northeastern region.

Currently, the airport is being widened under its phase-1 construction, which will be completed in September.

Last year, the airport received 930,000 customers, an increase of 6 per cent year-on-year.