Over $68.4mn proposed for upgrade of runway, other infrastructure at Da Nang Airport

Da Nang International Airport currently operates two parallel runways.

Runway 35R/17L, located on the eastern side, is 3,500 meters long and 45 meters wide and has been in operation since 2012. It regularly accommodates aircraft such as the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, A321, and A320.

Runway 35L/17R on the western side is 3,049 meters long and 45 meters wide and currently supports standard operations of A320 and A321 aircraft.

However, the airport can only handle wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 when they reduce payload due to limitations in pavement strength.

According to the CAAV, Runway 35L/17R and taxiways G1 and G6, built in 1965, have significantly deteriorated.

The 305-meter sections at both ends show severe damage, while the central section, upgraded in 1999, has exceeded its design service life but has not undergone major repairs.

The G1 and G6 taxiways have also developed cracks and surface damage because of prolonged heavy loads.

The current maintenance work mainly addresses surface-level issues and does not resolve underlying structural problems, making it unsuitable for long-term operation.

The level of deterioration has increased, forcing Runway 35L/17R to be closed frequently for repairs, including 11 closures in 2025 alone.

ADCC Aviation Construction Design and Consulting Company Limited also assessed that the runway and taxiway systems show clear signs of degradation.

Repairs have largely focused on surface-layer fixes without strengthening the foundation structure, meaning operational stability cannot be ensured in the long term.

Authorities warned that if this runway continues to require emergency closures while the other runway encounters technical issues, Da Nang International Airport could face a complete shutdown.

The CAAV has therefore proposed that the Ministry of Construction approve the rebuilding and upgrading of Runway 35L/17R, taxiways and take-off and landing support equipment, and the construction of a drainage system connected to surrounding infrastructure.

The project is expected to be funded by the state budget, implemented from 2026 to 2028.

The CAAV would act as the investor, while the Thang Long Project Management Board would manage the project thanks to its experience in airport runway upgrade projects.

The upgrade is meant to improve Runway 35L/17R and associated infrastructure so the airport can efficiently handle code E aircraft such as the Boeing 747, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350 without payload restrictions.

The CAAV said the project aligns with Da Nang Airport’s development plan, which targets a capacity of around 25 million passengers per year by 2030 and 30 million by 2050.