Cat Bi International Airport

Cat Bi International Airport
Name	Cat Bi International Airport
IATA	HPH
ICAO	VVCI
Owner	Airports Corporation of Vietnam
City-served	Haiphong
Location	Cat Hai District
Elevation-f	13
Coordinates	20, 49, 09, N...
R1-number	07/25
R1-length-m	3050
R1-length-f	10007
R1-surface	Asphalt
Stat-year	2023
Stat1-header	Passengers
Stat1-data	5,200,000
Stat2-header	Aircraft movements
Stat2-data	34,000
Footnotes	Source: Airports Corporation of Vietnam

Cat Bi International Airport. It is a primary international gateway serving the northern port city of Haiphong and the broader Red River Delta region. Operated by the state-owned Airports Corporation of Vietnam, the airport is a crucial hub for economic development in northern Vietnam, facilitating both passenger travel and cargo operations. Its strategic location supports connectivity to key domestic destinations and an expanding network of international routes across Asia.

History

The airport's origins trace back to the French Indochina era when it was constructed as a military airfield. Following the First Indochina War, the facility was significantly expanded and modernized by the Vietnam People's Air Force during the Vietnam War, known in Vietnam as the American War. It played a strategic role for North Vietnam and was a frequent target of United States Air Force operations, including those conducted during Operation Rolling Thunder. After the Fall of Saigon and the reunification of Vietnam, the airport began a gradual transition to civilian use. Major upgrades were undertaken in the 2000s, culminating in the inauguration of a new international terminal in 2016 by Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, which officially elevated its status to an international airport.

Facilities

The airport features a single passenger terminal complex capable of handling up to 5 million passengers annually, with separate halls for domestic and international operations. Its single runway, 07/25, is 3,050 meters long and equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS) capabilities to support operations in adverse weather. The apron can accommodate several wide-body aircraft simultaneously, including those operated by Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways. Cargo facilities are managed to support the export-oriented industries of Haiphong and nearby provinces. Additional amenities include various retail outlets, lounges operated by Vietnam Airlines, and standard passenger services.

Airlines and destinations

Cat Bi International Airport serves as a focus city for several Vietnamese carriers. Vietjet Air and Pacific Airlines maintain extensive domestic networks from here to destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. Vietnam Airlines operates a mix of domestic and international flights, including services to Seoul and Bangkok. International connectivity has grown with services by airlines such as Air Seoul, China Eastern Airlines, and Thai Vietjet Air to cities including Busan, Shanghai, and Bangkok. Charter flights are also common, particularly to various destinations in China and Taiwan.

Statistics

Passenger traffic has grown rapidly, exceeding 5 million passengers in 2023, a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. This solidifies its position as one of the busiest airports in northern Vietnam, behind only Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Aircraft movements have correspondingly increased to approximately 34,000 annually. Cargo throughput has also seen steady growth, supported by the industrial output of the Haiphong economic zone. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam projects continued growth, with plans to further expand terminal capacity to meet future demand.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record in the civilian era. Its most significant historical incidents are associated with its military past during the Vietnam War, when it sustained damage from numerous United States Air Force and United States Navy air raids. Since transitioning to civilian aviation, there have been no major fatal accidents involving commercial aircraft at the facility. Operational safety is overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, which ensures compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

Ground transportation

The airport is located approximately 8 kilometers from the center of Haiphong. The primary road link is via National Route 5, which connects to Hanoi. Metered taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab (company) are readily available. Several public bus routes, operated by the Haiphong Transportation Department, connect the terminal to key points within the city, including Haiphong Railway Station. There are ongoing discussions regarding a potential future rail link as part of broader regional transport plans involving the Ministry of Transport (Vietnam).

Category:Airports in Vietnam Category:Buildings and structures in Haiphong Category:International airports