Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam expects to receive more than 112 millionpassengers through airports in the country in 2019, or 8 million people higherthan the previous year, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has said.

The plan is made based on a robust socio-economic outlook with GDP growthforecast at 6.6-6.8 percent as well as a bright prospect on Vietnamesetransportation market expansion.

The Airports Council International (ACI) forecasts the Vietnamese aviationtransportation to top the group of markets with more than 50 million passengersa year during 2016-2040. Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association(IATA) predicts Vietnam as the world’s 5th fastest growing aviation market,which will transport 150 million passengers by 2035, a representative from theACV said.

In 2019, the ACV will continue boosting investments and upgrades in airportinfrastructure, and mobilising resources for construction and development ofstrategic airports like Long Thanh International Airport in southern Dong Naiprovince. Furthermore, due attention will be paid to IT application intoairport management and operation in line with international standards.

Expansion of aprons will be made at busy airports like Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat,Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, Cat Bi, Vinh and Phu Bai.

TheACV is making preparation for its key projects, including construction ofTerminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, new terminals at Da Nang andCam Ranh International Airports, expansion of Terminal 2 at Noi BaiInternational Airport, and Terminal 2 at Cat Bi, Vinh, Phu Bai, Dong Hoi andTho Xuan International Airports.

According to the corporation’s report, the ACV’s revenue in 2018 was estimatedat 17.84 trillion VND (768.27 million USD), surpassing the set plan by 11percent, and rising 18 percent against 2017.

At present,the Vietnamese aviation market has the participation of 68 foreign airlinesfrom 25 countries and territories and the four local carriers Vietnam Airlines,Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific Airlines and Vasco.

The 68 foreign and three of the Vietnamese carriers (except Vasco) operatenearly 130 international routes linking Hanoi, HCM City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, PhuQuoc and Hai Phong with 28 countries and territories around the world.

Meanwhile,the four local airlines are running 48 domestic routes from Hanoi, HCM City andDa Nang to 18 local airports.-VNA