Under a decision signed by Deputy PM Le Van Thanh, construction of the airport will be divided into two phases, with the first estimated to cost VND4.2 (US$184.6 million).
In the first stage, Sapa Airport will have an annual capacity of 1.5 million passengers, which will then be raised to 3 million in the second stage, scheduled to be implemented after 2028.
Sapa Airport is being designed to meet the increased demand for air travel, help boost local socio-economic development and support search and rescue work in the northwest region and Lao Cai Province in particular.
The airport covers 371 hectares in Cam Con Commune in Bao Yen District.
