Quảng Ninh approves Hạ Long-Cô Tô seaplane route

HÀ NỘI — Chairman of Quảng Ninh Province People’s Committee Nguyễn Đức Long gave his nod to Hải Âu Aviation’s proposal of launching a seaplane flight route from Hạ Long City to Cô Tô Island.

At a working session with Hải Âu Aviation on Wednesday, Long said the province would create the most favourable conditions in terms of administrative procedures for the launch of the flight route and provide support in promotions.

Long said this seaplane flight route would contribute to diversifying tourism products in line with the province’s development strategy of becoming an international-class tourism hub.

He asked the provincial Department of Transport to study the project of building a runway for small-sized planes on Cô Tô Island and asked relevant authorities to create appropriate conditions for the operation of the seaplane route.

Early this month, Hải Âu Aviation proposed a seaplane flight from Hạ Long’s Tuần Châu International Passenger Port to Cô Tô Island, to be opened in the summer of 2018.

The company plans to use a 12-seat seaplane, which would take some 15-17 minutes to complete the journey. Passengers would also get an opportunity to enjoy the view of Hạ Long and Bái Tử Long bays from high up.

Cô Tô Island District’s authorities agreed with Hải Âu Aviation’s proposal but called for more in-depth studies about the weather, parking space for the seaplane and technical infrastructure for the operation of this flight route.

The company is also seeking approval for the expansion of its seaplane flights to other islands, including Minh Châu, Quan Lạn and Ngọc Vừng.

Hải Âu Aviation currently offers seaplane flights between Hà Nội and Hạ Long and seaplane tours in Hạ Long Bay, with some 6-8 flights per day.

Following three years in operation, the company has completed more than 3,470 flights and served 30,000 passengers from 47 countries and territories. — VNS