Vietnam Accelerates Aviation Infrastructure, Toward a Developed Nation by 2045 and the Era of Green Airports
Bui Van Hoi, Senior Civil Engineer – 27/04/2026
Vietnam is entering a major acceleration phase in large-scale infrastructure development, with a dual objective: sustaining high economic growth while becoming a high-income developed country by 2045. In this strategy, transport infrastructure—especially aviation—is considered one of the central growth drivers.
According to international assessments, major infrastructure projects such as airports, seaports, and high-speed rail will play a key role in expanding development space and enhancing national competitiveness.
Phan Thiet Airport Terminal, ground breaking on April 27 2026 by Sun Group
A wave of construction and acceleration in strategic airports
A series of airport projects are being implemented simultaneously:
- Long Thanh International Airport: fast-tracked toward completion, with Phase 1 expected to begin operations from 2026, aiming to become a major international transit hub
- Phu Quoc Airport: expanded to increase capacity for international tourism
- Gia Binh Airport: positioned as a new aviation hub in the North
- Phan Thiet Airport: recently commenced civil construction works
At the same time, several existing airports are being upgraded:
- Phu Bai Airport
- Lien Khuong Airport
- Quang Tri Airport
Notably, the three airports Long Thanh – Gia Binh – Phu Quoc are being shaped as a “new growth axis” for the digital economy and green development.
Emissions challenge: how much do airport ground operations emit?
An often-overlooked source of aviation emissions comes from Ground Support Equipment (GSE), including:
- Aircraft towing tractors
- Power supply and air-conditioning vehicles
- Baggage transport vehicles
- Refueling vehicles
Estimated emissions
For a medium-sized airport (2–5 million passengers/year):
- GSE fleet: ~200–400 units
- Diesel consumption: ~5–10 liters/hour per unit
- Operating time: ~6–10 hours/day
→ Total fuel consumption: ~5–10 million liters/year
With a diesel emission factor of ~2.68 kg CO₂/liter:
→ Estimated emissions: 13,000 – 27,000 tons CO₂/year per airport
For mega-hubs such as Long Thanh in its initial phase, the figure could be significantly higher.
Hydrogen transition scenario: how much emissions can be reduced?
If all GSE is converted to:
- Hydrogen fuel cell systems
- Or battery electric equipment
Emission reduction potential:
- Green hydrogen: ~100% direct CO₂ reduction
- Blue hydrogen with CCS: ~60–90% reduction
- Electrification: ~50–80% reduction depending on electricity mix
Per airport:
→ Reduction potential: 10,000 – 25,000 tons CO₂/year
If applied across ~20–25 airports nationwide:
→ Total potential reduction: 200,000 – 500,000 tons CO₂/year
Green airports: a global trend
Next-generation airports are rapidly shifting toward:
- Full electrification of ground equipment
- Hydrogen-powered specialized vehicles
- On-site renewable energy integration
- Digitalized and AI-based operations
The Airports Council International (ACI) also emphasizes that airport ecosystems play a significant role in both GDP contribution and emissions reduction.
Long Thanh is being oriented toward a “smart – green airport” model, integrating digital technologies and CO₂ reduction requirements.
Beyond airports: infrastructure for a new era
In the emerging context, airports are no longer just transport hubs—they are becoming energy, logistics, and technology centers.
Vietnam needs to advance on three infrastructure layers:
1. Hydrogen infrastructure
- On-site hydrogen production via electrolysis
- Storage and refueling for GSE, trucks, and future aircraft
2. Electrification infrastructure
- Fast charging systems for all ground equipment
- Renewable energy-integrated microgrids
3. Future aviation infrastructure
- eVTOL (flying taxis)
- UAV/drone logistics systems
- Automated traffic and operations control centers
Conclusion: Vietnam’s opportunity to “leapfrog”
Vietnam currently holds a rare advantage:
it is building multiple new airports simultaneously during a global energy transition era.
This enables:
- Avoiding lock-in of outdated technologies
- Designing directly to green and digital standards
- Integrating hydrogen from the outset
If implemented correctly, airports such as Long Thanh, Phu Quoc, and Gia Binh will not only be transport infrastructure, but could become future hubs of energy and technological innovation.
The question is no longer whether to do it, but how fast Vietnam can move to avoid missing the next era.
