At a special session, the Hanoi People's Council approved a resolution introducing incentives, support measures and investment policies for underground infrastructure, underground space development and low altitude airspace activities across the capital.
A key feature of the resolution is the city's plan to gradually establish infrastructure for the low altitude economy, including a strategic pilot transport corridor running along the Red River and Avenue 1A.
Under the policy, Hanoi will allocate resources to develop an integrated infrastructure network supporting low altitude operations. The network will include landing sites, charging stations, logistics hubs, flight operation centres, monitoring facilities and designated testing areas.
In parallel with physical infrastructure, the city plans to build digital systems including a shared air traffic management platform, 5G and 6G telecommunications networks, urban airspace mapping systems, communications infrastructure and navigation services.
Hanoi will also introduce a regulatory sandbox framework for low altitude economic activities while designating testing zones and protected air corridors linked to low altitude flight networks and specialised airports and landing facilities.
The city intends to pilot integrated operating models involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), other aerial transport systems and existing urban infrastructure. The Hoa Lac High Tech Park has been designated as the core location for initial technology trials.
Beyond low altitude airspace policies, the resolution also introduces a range of incentives for underground construction projects.
Hanoi will exempt land rental fees for standalone underground structures located within 15 metres below ground level, excluding projects intended for commercial or service business purposes.
For underground developments extending beyond a depth of 15 metres, land rental fees will continue to be waived, including areas built beyond the boundaries of land plots allocated or leased at the surface level.
The city will also cover 100 per cent of compensation and site clearance costs for eligible underground infrastructure projects.
To improve project viability, developers of underground facilities will be allowed to allocate part of their floor space for commercial and service activities related to parking operations and supporting services.
Within the Ring Road 1 area and low emission zones where parking demand remains unmet, commercial and service functions may account for up to 45 per cent of a project's total floor area. In other parts of the city, the limit will be 40 per cent.
The resolution also introduces a "green lane" mechanism and a one stop administrative process for public underground infrastructure projects, aimed at accelerating approval procedures.
According to the Hanoi People's Council, the new policies are designed to lay the foundation for the development of underground space and the low altitude economy while attracting private investment through public private partnership (PPP) projects.