Former US, Russian base in Vietnam to open up to domestic flights
HANOI - Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay, home to a former US military base later used by Russia, will open its airport to domestic passenger flights in May to attract tourists to nearby beach resorts.Vietnam Airlines will make the inaugural flight from Hanoi to Cam Ranh Bay on May 19, according to Pham Viet Dung, spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.
After further renovation, including the upgrading of the two 4,000-metre runways used by American B-52 bombers during the Vietnam War, the airport could receive international flights in 2006.
"Together with Nha Trang airport, the new airport in Cam Ranh will help Khanh Hoa develop its tourist industry," said Pham Van Chi, chairman of the Khanh Hoa provincial government.Nha Trang's long sweeping beaches are located 60 kilometers (37.5 miles) north of Cam Ranh but its airport can only accomodate small aircraft as a result of its limited runway.
The sprawling naval and air base at Cam Ranh Bay was built by the United States during the Vietnam War but was leased by the Soviet Union in 1979 under a rent-free agreement that was meant to last until 2004.However, in October 2001 Russia announced that it was abandoning the base for financial reasons after Hanoi indicated it wanted Moscow to pay rent.The last of the Russian military contingent garrisoned at the intelligence gathering and transit base for aircraft and warships left in May 2002.
The Vietnamese military subsequently took up residence and will continue to remain at the base.In its heyday, it was the largest Soviet base outside of the Warsaw Pact, able to house up to 10,000 troops, 15 ships and 30 aircraft.
Agence France Presse - March 23, 2004
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