Can Tho International Airport: The Mekong Delta Hub
Introduction
Now an essential air link connecting the southwest with the rest of the country and further afield, Can Tho International Airport (IATA: VCA; ICAO: VVCT) is located at the heart of Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. The new airport is on 20,750 square meters of land and was built with an investment of $150 million USD after an upgrade from the former Trà Nóc Airport. With the potential for serving up to 5 million passengers per day, Can Tho International Airport represents a strategic position that helps promote regional economic development, enhance defense and security capabilities, and deepen international integration.
Airlines and Destinations
Can Tho International Airport currently serves a number of growing domestic as well as international destinations. Vietnam Airlines is the main airline serving this airport with flights to other Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. In addition, budget carriers VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways have opened shop at VCA, bringing low fares to some of the key tourist hubs within Vietnam.
Passengers and Flights
For example, southern Can Tho International Airport can be cited as a fairly typical case where there has been a steady growth in passenger numbers and flight volume since its opening. The number of passengers in 2021 reached about 2.5 million, indicating that the importance of this airport is increasing and is increasingly indispensable to local people living around it. The rate and the number of flights have also increased, now averaging some 20 departures and arrivals per day.
How to Get Here
The airport is situated at 179B Le Hong Phong, Long Hoa, Binh Thuy District in Can Tho City, so it is easy to access from the downtown city and suburban area. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and public buses can all get you to the airport.
Parking
Can Tho International Airport offers short-term and long-term parking facilities, with prices starting around 150,000 VND (about $6.50) for a regular-size car per day.
Transportation Price
Transport costs from and to Can Tho International Airport depend on the type of transportation mode. Cab fares usually start at 150,000 to as high as 250,000 VND per one-way trip within the city. There are also cheaper options available via ride-sharing services such as Grab, which are priced at around 100k VND (circa $4.50 USD) for a one-way trip.
Terminal Layout
The terminal building of Can Tho International Airport is split into two main areas - the domestic and international terminals, with separate check-in desks, security checkpoints, and lounges for passengers flying on these routes.
Navigate the Airport
Can Tho International Airport was clean, both airside and landside. Lounge areas had respective food menus in English, and toilets were plentiful. Signage was easy, and there was easy access to shuttle buses from the airport arrival exit gate, which would make for efficient transfers.
Getting Between Terminals
The airport also offers well-planned access for travelers in transit connecting between domestic and international flights from both terminals. This network of walkways and internal travel systems simply connects the terminals, allowing passengers to move between them effortlessly.
Services and Amenities
Can Tho International Airport has everything you need and provides good service to passengers. This includes currency exchange, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, as well as a range of food and beverage options. It also provides help for passengers with disabilities.
Restaurants and Shops
Restaurants, cafes, and shops are available within the terminal itself. The airport serves a variety of tastes on any gastronomy scale, from domestic Vietnamese cuisine to international food chains. Passengers can also shop at duty-free shops and convenience stores for last-minute purchases.
Security and Customs
Can Tho International Airport is an international airport, and there are very specific security and customs processes. There will be a search that includes carry-on baggage and personal items in addition to security screening for ALL passengers. Processed customs helps in legitimizing the travel of individuals and their goods across borders, making it somewhat complicated but worthwhile.
Accessibility
Can Tho International Airport ensures convenient facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. The airport offers dedicated parking, accessible corridors, and help with boarding and exiting planes.
Travel Tips
When traveling through Can Tho International Airport, you need to know the baggage allowance and policy. Furthermore, for those traveling during busy times of the year, arriving at the airport in plenty of time to get through check-in and security is advised.