The project will cost more than 1,467 billion VND (64.7 million USD), funded by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, and will help the airport to handle A320 and A321, in addition to similar aircraft.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Deputy PM Le Van Thanh affirmed that the project is highly significant to driving the socio-economic development in Dien Bien Province and the wider north-western region.
He added that the expanded airport will help attract investments in tourism, trade and services to promote the cultural values of ethnic groups and the historical significance of the Dien Bien Phu battlefield.
The Deputy PM asked Dien Bien Province to work with relevant ministries to ensure synchronous infrastructure development and facilitate enterprises and tourists to Dien Bien Phu.
The project is scheduled for completion by September 2023, ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory in May 2024.
