The 336.7 trillion VND (16 billion USD) construction project of an international airport in southern Dong Nai province was approved by a majority of the National Assembly deputies on June 25 morning.

With 428 deputies voting ‘yes', accounting for 86.64 percent of the total deputies at the ongoing 13th National Assembly's (NA) ninth session, Long Thanh International Airport will be an important one in the country. It is expected to reduce the load on the neighbouring Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and will become an international entrepot of the region.

The airport will be able to handle 100 million passengers and five million tonnes of freight a year. The investment will come from various sources, such as the state budget, official development assistance and corporate capital.

The project has been divided into three phases. The first phase, expected to be completed in 2025 and handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of freight a year, includes the construction of a runway, a terminal and supporting infrastructure.

Long Thanh International Airport project attracted public attention after it was discussed for the first time at the previous NA session. Right after the session, expert delegations worked hard on the project.

Following the approval, the NA issued a resolution asking for detailed plans of the construction, including site clearance, compensation, employment and re-settlement and support of those who would be displaced from their land.

The NA also asked for the implementation of the project with due consideration being given to its progress, environmental impact and financial balance.-VNA