Nearly $57mn poured into Da Nang airport expansion project

The project is aimed at improving operational capacity and passenger experience through a modern terminal model that combines resort-style amenities, local cultural elements, and eco-friendly architecture.

Work started on T2 terminal in 2015 and it officially began operations in mid-2017 to serve the 2017 APEC Summit Week.

It has become the only airport terminal in Vietnam to receive Skytrax’s prestigious five-star rating for three consecutive years – 2024, 2025 and 2026.

In 2019, the terminal handled more than 7.1 million passengers, surpassing its designed capacity by 79 percent.

Traffic has remained strong in recent years, reaching 6.18 million passengers in 2024 and 6.81 million in 2025.

The firm said that the expansion project is intended not only to address overcrowding but also to help build an international-standard aviation service ecosystem while maintaining the terminal’s five-star reputation.

The ceremony also marked the implementation of a broader regional aviation development strategy for central Vietnam, which includes Da Nang International Airport and Chu Lai Airport through 2030, with a vision toward 2050.

Under the master plan, the two airports are expected to reach a combined capacity of some 25 million passengers per year.

Architecturally, the project will continue the terminal’s existing ‘seagull wings’ concept.

The roof of the expanded section is designed to blend seamlessly with the current structure, creating the image of a flock of seagulls in flight.

Inside the terminal, biophilic design will be applied extensively, with abundant greenery, natural lighting, and enhanced ventilation systems intended to create a more relaxing environment and reduce passenger stress.

The expansion will be carried out over an area of some 3,600 square meters, increasing the terminal’s total area to more than 21,000 square meters.

Following the expansion, the number of check-in counters will rise from 54 to 85, while boarding gates connected by passenger boarding bridges will increase from four to seven, reducing the need for shuttle buses.

Speaking at the ceremony, vice-chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Quang Nam described the project as highly significant for the city, calling it a symbol of Da Nang’s modernization and growth, particularly in the tourism sector.

The terminal is not only an aviation facility but also part of Da Nang’s image as a dynamic and welcoming city.

Its expansion will contribute to the city’s development and enhance regional aviation connectivity.