~ Le Viêt Nam, aujourd'hui. ~
The Vietnam News

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Vietnam to upgrade Dien Bien Phu airport ahead of 50th anniversary

HANOI - Airport facilities at Dien Bien Phu, the scene of France's epic defeat in May 1954 to Vietnamese communist forces, will be renovated ahead of the 50th anniversary of the historic battle, officials said Friday.

Located in a valley in the mountainous province of Lai Chau, some 500 kilometres (310 miles) northwest of Hanoi, the airport will be expanded to cope with an expected influx of tourists flying in to mark the event. The size of its hangar will be doubled and the capacity of the airport terminal will be tripled, a spokesman for the local government said. "We are hoping to begin construction work as soon as possible. We are currently in negotiations with the Ministry of Transport," he said.

Once the renovation work is completed, the airport will be able to cater two daily flights carrying a total of 300 passengers. Currently, there is only one flight a day to the town, which has become symbolic with the demise of French colonial rule in Indochina.

Last year, more than 30,00 passengers flew into Dien Bien Phu, but the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism says it is expecting around 100,000 people to visit the region during the anniversary year. It plans to promote 2004 as the Year of Dien Bien Phu-Lai Chau Tourism in honour of the communist victory over its colonial masters.

Some 3,200 French troops were killed and disappeared during the 55-day siege of their base which ended on May 7, 1954.

Agence France Press - February 21, 2003.