The Provincial Government of Lao Cai has approved an updated plan for the Sa Pa Airport project, which will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with an investment of over VND6.3 trillion (USD248 million). The project, approved by the provincial People’s Committee, will be developed in two phases. Phase 1 will construct an ICAO 4C-standard airport with an annual capacity of 1.5 million passengers and military airbase functions. Phase 2 enhancements will increase capacity to 3 million passengers, add aircraft parking spaces, and expand the terminal with new jet bridges.
The PPP contract spans nearly 47 years, including construction, operation, and capital recovery. Construction of Phase 1 is expected to take just over two years, while Phase 2 will be executed during the operational period. Nearly USD157 million is allocated to Phase 1 and USD94 million to Phase 2. The upgraded infrastructure aims to improve air connectivity to the tourist hub of Sa Pa and support broader economic development in the Lao Cai region.
