Da Nang proposes $10bn investment in Chu Lai airport project

Addressing a meeting with aviation partners on Wednesday, Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, vice-chairwoman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, said the city has formally recommended the development of the Chu Lai airport urban ecosystem project under a public-private partnership model.

She said the proposed Chu Lai Airport urban ecosystem project is expected to become a new driver for regional connectivity and economic development.

The meeting was organized by the municipal Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism at the Furama Resort, aiming to strengthen cooperation with airlines and explore new strategies to attract more visitors in 2026.

According to the municipal administration, 2025 marked a major milestone following July's administrative merger of Quang Nam Province, home to the famed ancient town of Hoi An, into Da Nang, significantly expanding the coastal city’s tourism space and development potential.

The local tourism sector has recorded a strong recovery in both international and domestic markets, with approximately 17.8 million overnight visitors this year.

The rebound has been supported by the resumption and launch of numerous air routes connecting Da Nang with major regional and global hubs.

Thi said that the city’s tourism achievements were closely linked to the contributions of airlines, aviation service providers, border police, customs, quarantine agencies, and ground-handling and air traffic control units operating at Da Nang International Airport and Chu Lai Airport.

Van Ba Son, deputy head of the department, said the city has restored and opened 26 air routes, with 132 flights arriving in Da Nang daily.

Domestic routes connect Da Nang with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot, Hai Phong, Can Tho, Da Lat, and Phu Quoc.

Internationally, Da Nang is connected to destinations including Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Hong Kong, Macau, Incheon, Busan, Narita, and Osaka.

The city has also recently launched five new international routes to Cheongju, Manila, Ahmedabad, Yangon, and Dubai, as well as long-term charter flights from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Da Nang plans to further expand its international flight network, improve service quality, and intensify overseas tourism promotion efforts.

Under its 2026 tourism plan, Da Nang aims to welcome 19.1 million overnight visitors, up 10.5 percent year on year.

Of this total, international arrivals are projected at 8.7 million, up 13.7 percent, while domestic visitors are expected to reach 10.4 million, improving eight percent.

Total revenue from accommodation, food services, and travel is forecast at nearly VND70 trillion ($2.7 billion), marking a 15-percent increase.