Roberta Aguirre
Can Tho International Airport, formerly known as Trà Nóc Airport, is an international airport located in Can Tho, in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The airport was inaugurated on January 1, 2011, and serves as a hub for air travel in the region, boosting the local economy and improving defence and security. With an investment of US$150 million, the airport was expanded and upgraded to accommodate up to 5 million passengers annually and handle medium-range aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 767. Can Tho International Airport has two airlines operating to 16 airports worldwide, offering convenient travel options for passengers visiting the Mekong Delta area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Former name | Trà Nóc Airport |
| Location | Can Tho, Mekong Delta region of Vietnam |
| Airport Code | VCA/VVCT |
| Number of airlines | 2 |
| Number of destinations | 7 |
| Runway length | 2,400 m |
| Runway width | 45 m |
| Runway area | 27,491 m2 |
| Apron area | 20,750 m2 |
| Terminal area | 19,000 m2 |
| Capacity | 2-5 million passengers per year |
| Cost of expansion | 770-850 billion VND ($58-64 million) |
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What You'll Learn
History: formerly Trà Nóc Airport, built in 1965 by the USAF
Can Tho International Airport was formerly known as Trà Nóc Airport, which was constructed during the Vietnam War in 1965 by the United States Air Force (USAF) civil engineering units as a military airfield. It became the Binh Thuy Air Base and served as the Headquarters of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (VNAF) 4th Air Division until 1975. On April 19, 1969, the VAL-4 Light Attack Squadron initiated combat operations, offering air support for the Mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam.
After 1975, the facility was initially left unused before being transformed into a small regional airport for Can Tho. The airport underwent expansion and upgrades to achieve international status, with the first phase of construction beginning on January 4, 2006. This phase included improving the paved runway and apron to accommodate medium-range aircraft such as the Airbus A320, A321, and the Boeing 767. The cost of these improvements was estimated at 370 billion VND ($23 million).
The second phase of the expansion involved constructing a new terminal, cargo terminal, and other facilities. This phase had an estimated cost of 400-500 billion VND ($25 to $31 million) and aimed to increase the airport's capacity to 2 million passengers per year. The entire expansion project spanned an area of 85.04 hectares.
Can Tho International Airport was officially inaugurated on January 1, 2011, with an investment of US$150 million for development across 20,750 square meters (223,400 sq ft) of land. The airport was designed to handle up to 5 million passengers annually, serving the Mekong Delta region and boosting its economy, defence, security, and international integration.
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Location: Can Tho, Mekong Delta region of Vietnam
Can Tho International Airport is located in Can Tho, in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The airport was inaugurated on January 1, 2011, with a $150 million investment to build on 20,750 square meters of land. It aimed to process up to 5 million passengers annually and boost the Mekong Delta's economy, defence, security, and international integration.
The airport, formerly known as Trà Nóc Airport, has a rich history. During the Vietnam War in 1965, it was constructed as a military airfield by the United States Air Force (USAF) civil engineering units and became the Binh Thuy Air Base. It served as a headquarters for the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (VNAF) 4th Air Division until 1975. After that, the facility remained unused for a period before operating as a small regional airport for Can Tho.
The expansion and upgrade of Trà Nóc Airport to international status began in 2006 and was carried out in two phases. Phase 1 included improving the paved runway and apron, enabling the airport to handle medium-range aircraft. Phase 2 involved the construction of a new terminal, cargo terminal, and other facilities. The airport has a capacity of 2 million passengers per year but is currently operating at a loss, serving only 20% of its designed capacity.
As of April 2025, there are two airlines operating from Can Tho International Airport: VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. These airlines provide flights to 7 destinations and 16 airports worldwide. The airport is conveniently located in Can Tho, making it the best option for travellers flying from the city.
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Airlines: VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines
Can Tho International Airport, formerly known as Tra Noc Airport, is the only airport in Can Tho, Vietnam. It was inaugurated on January 1, 2011, and is located about 8km from the city centre. The airport operates from early morning until late evening, with the specific hours varying depending on flight schedules. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and boarding.
VietJet Air, a low-cost Vietnamese airline, operates numerous flights at Can Tho International Airport. Passengers travelling with VietJet Air can conveniently choose from various transportation options upon landing, including taxis and ride-sharing services. The airport is also easily accessible by public buses available outside the terminal, providing transportation to different locations within the city.
Vietnam Airlines is another major carrier serving Can Tho International Airport. As one of the leading airlines in Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines offers a range of domestic and international flights from Can Tho. Passengers travelling with Vietnam Airlines can benefit from the airline's comprehensive services and convenient flight schedules.
Can Tho International Airport plays a significant role in boosting the Mekong Delta's economy and enhancing defence, security, and international integration in the region. The airport has undergone expansion and upgrades to accommodate medium-range aircraft, such as the Airbus A320, A321, and Boeing 767. The improvements include the expansion of the runway and apron, and the construction of a new terminal, cargo terminal, and other facilities.
Both VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines contribute to the range of flight options available at Can Tho International Airport, providing passengers with convenient travel choices and connections to various destinations. The airport's accessibility and ongoing developments further enhance the travel experience for passengers utilising these airlines.
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Destinations: 7 destinations worldwide
Can Tho International Airport, formerly known as Trà Nóc Airport, is located in Can Tho, in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The airport currently offers flights to 7 destinations worldwide with 2 airlines: VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. The airport code for Can Tho International Airport is VCA/VVCT.
The airport was inaugurated on January 1, 2011, with an investment of US$150 million to build on 20,750 square meters of land. It was designed to process up to 5 million passengers annually and boost the Mekong Delta's economy, defence, security, and international integration.
Prior to 1975, Trà Nóc Airport served as a military airfield constructed by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After 1975, the airport remained unused for some time before operating as a small regional airport for Can Tho. Expansion and upgrades began in 2006 to achieve international status, with Phase 1 completed in 2008, enabling the airport to accommodate medium-range aircraft.
Can Tho International Airport provides convenient air travel options for passengers wishing to explore the Mekong Delta region and beyond. With its capacity and improved infrastructure, it serves as a gateway to the region, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for locals and visitors alike.
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Passenger capacity: 2 million per year
Can Tho International Airport, formerly known as Trà Nóc Airport, has a passenger capacity of 2 million per year. The airport, located in Can Tho in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, was inaugurated on January 1, 2011, with a construction cost of US$150 million. The expansion and upgrade of the airport to international status were completed in two phases, covering an area of 85.04 hectares.
The first phase of the expansion included improving the paved runway and apron, enabling the airport to handle medium-range aircraft such as the Airbus A320, A321, and the Boeing 767. The second phase involved the construction of a new terminal, a cargo terminal, and other facilities. The new terminal, with a capacity of 2 million passengers annually, is currently operating at a loss, serving only 20% of its designed capacity.
The airport serves as a boost to the Mekong Delta's economy and enhances defence, security, and international integration. The original Trà Nóc Airport was constructed during the Vietnam War in 1965 by the United States Air Force (USAF) civil engineering units as a military airfield, which became Binh Thuy Air Base. After 1975, the facility was initially unused, and later operated as a small regional airport for Can Tho.
With an investment of US$150 million, the airport aimed to process up to 5 million passengers annually. However, the current infrastructure can accommodate 2 million passengers per year, indicating that further expansion or optimisation is needed to meet its original target. This underutilisation of capacity presents an opportunity for the airport authorities to strategise and attract more airlines and passengers to fully utilise the airport's potential.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Tho International Airport was inaugurated on January 1, 2011.
The address of the airport is 179B Lê Hồng Phong, Long Hoà, Bình Thủy, Cần Thơ.
You can get a taxi, use a ride-sharing service, or take a bus to get to the city centre.
Bus fares start at 5,000 VND, making it the most budget-friendly option.
Can Tho International Airport offers various dining options, including restaurants and cafes, both before and after security checkpoints.
