Government approves Vietjet's participation in airport infrastructure investment

The Government’s Standing Committee has, in principle, approved Vietjet’s proposal to participate in aviation infrastructure investment and asked relevant ministries, agencies, and local authorities to promptly review and process the proposal in accordance with the law.

Government guidance on review and processing

At the meeting, the Standing Government welcomed Vietjet’s proactive research and proposal, citing its potential contribution to transport infrastructure development, economic and social stimulation, and national defense and security.

The Government requires the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Finance, the Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), and the People’s Committees of relevant localities to handle Vietjet’s proposal within their authority and to report any issues beyond their authority in a timely manner.

Key requirements for the assessment

The review process must ensure consistency with approved planning and thoroughly assess transport demand and investment efficiency. It should also clarify the investment model and the mechanism for mobilizing resources, while ensuring openness, transparency, and fair competition.

Authorities are also directed to balance the interests of the State, the people, and the enterprise, and to prevent leakage and corruption. The process must comply with regulations on land, environmental matters, defense and security, and aviation safety, and include measures to develop non-aviation services and the aviation ecosystem.

Specific projects and implementation steps

For specific projects, the Government directs the Ministry of Construction to coordinate with ACV and Vietjet in developing detailed plans for Terminal 1 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and for Noi Bai International Airport, ensuring alignment with development directions. After planning, the parties will implement the projects under the principles of harmonious benefits, shared risks, and legal compliance.

For Gia Bình International Airport, Vietjet is asked to work with the project investor to agree on an investment cooperation plan based on efficiency and shared benefits.

Local airport expansion and investor selection

For localities including Da Nang, Thanh Hoa, and Dong Nai, the Government requires proactive selection of investors under existing regulations to implement airport expansion projects such as Chu Lai, Thọ Xuân, and the Long Thành airport city. If necessary, a special mechanism may be proposed.

In parallel, the Ministry of Construction and localities are tasked with reviewing and reclaiming airport projects that have been allocated but are slow to implement or fail to meet commitments, and selecting capable investors to replace them.

Context on airport investment and operations

While Vietjet has been approved in principle to participate in aviation infrastructure investment, airport investment and operation in Vietnam have historically been led by ACV and several large enterprises. Some private sector companies outside the aviation sector have participated in airport investments, including Van Don Airport, undertaken by Sun Group (the parent company of Sun Phuquoc Airways) under BOT, described as the first privately operated airport in Vietnam.