Phu Cat Airport in Gia Lai Province, Vietnam is being developed to handle international charter flights bringing tourists to the province. Photo: T.L.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, vice-chairwoman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee, said on Saturday that the provincial administration had submitted a proposal to develop a policy supporting international charter flights to Phu Cat Airport.
Under the draft policy, businesses would receive VND200 million (US$7,700) for each charter flight carrying international tourists to the airport.
Inbound tour operators would also receive a 50-percent reduction in entrance fees for groups arriving on charter flights at three attractions, namely ExploraScience Quy Nhon, the Twin Towers, and Banh It Tower.
The province would further assist participating businesses with publicity, branding opportunities at investment and tourism promotion events, and official welcoming ceremonies for the first charter flights from each market.
Gia Lai welcomed 12.4 million visitors in 2025, but international arrivals accounted for just over one percent.
The provincial administration said charter flights are crucial to expanding the market, boosting spending, and promoting Gia Lai as a destination.
Phu Cat Airport is currently undergoing construction of a second runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft, including Code C and Code E planes, in preparation for direct international routes.
The project is expected to help Gia Lai establish and expand its international tourism market through the airport.
Phu Cat Airport is located in the former Binh Dinh Province, home to well-known destinations including Quy Nhon Beach, Ghenh Rang-Tien Sa, Eo Gio, Ky Co Beach, Banh It Tower, and Thi Nai Lagoon.
Under Vietnam’s nationwide administrative restructuring in July 2025, the former Gia Lai and Binh Dinh provinces were merged to form the new Gia Lai Province.
Following the merger, Gia Lai identified tourism as one of five key economic pillars for 2025-30, combining the distinctive landscapes of the Central Highlands with the coastal attractions of south-central Vietnam.
The province aims to welcome 18.5 million tourists by 2030, including more than one million international visitors.
The 2026 National Tourism Year - Gia Lai, themed ‘Gia Lai - Mountains embrace the sea,’ is scheduled to feature 244 cultural, sports and tourism activities throughout the year, showcasing the province’s unique blend of mountain and coastal landscapes.
Max: 1500 characters
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment.