Although Cam Ranh Airport in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa was upgraded to an international airport status two years back, it is still not serviceable for international flights.

The airport infrastructure is not yet fully complete and does not meet international standards. Hence, international visitors arrive at Cam Ranh Airport via transit flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Presently there is not even fresh water available at the airport. Several investors are seen to arrive here for business opportunities but leave disappointed.

The 750-hectare airport, only 35 kilometres from Nha Trang City, has a long runway that can handle large Boeing and Airbus aircraft in the future.

According to the airport master plan until 2020 with a vision towards 2030, approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2007, the airport will provide 32 parking lots, receive as many as 27 aeroplanes during peak hours, welcome some 5.5 million passengers annually and handle 100,000 tonnes of cargo per year.

By 2030, the airport is expected to have 37 parking lots and be able to receive as many as 37 planes during peak hours, up to eight million passengers annually and 200,000 tonnes of cargo per year.

Currently the airport receives only 10-20 flights per day.

Nha Trang City holds many local and international cultural, sporting and tourism events throughout the year, such as the sea festival, international beauty contests and the International Yacht Race.

The city receives a great number of visitors, which numbers keep growing each year. A very active and functional airport will therefore give more easy access to this wonderful beach resort city.

SGGP