Lien Khuong International Airport Set to Reopen on August 19 as Vietnam Strengthens Da Lat Tourism Connectivity and Aviation Growth

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July 25, 2026 12:27 GMT+5:30

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Lien Khuong International Airport is preparing to resume commercial operations on August 19, 2026, following a major runway and taxiway rehabilitation project designed to improve aviation safety, operational capacity and passenger experience. The reopening is expected to restore crucial air links to Da Lat and the Central Highlands region, supporting Vietnam tourism growth by reconnecting travellers with one of the country’s most popular mountain destinations.

The airport upgrade marks a significant step in Vietnam’s aviation development strategy, as improved infrastructure will allow airlines to restore domestic and international services while strengthening access to Lam Dong province’s tourism attractions, cultural experiences and natural landscapes.

Lien Khuong International Airport Completes Major Upgrade Before August 19 Reopening

Lien Khuong International Airport began final preparation activities after completing key rehabilitation work on its runway and taxiway systems. The project focused on improving aviation infrastructure, enhancing operational safety and ensuring that the airport meets required technical standards before commercial flights restart. The airport temporarily suspended operations during the improvement programme, allowing construction teams to complete essential works without disrupting aviation activities.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam approved calibration flights beginning on July 23 to examine newly installed navigation equipment, airfield lighting systems and other technical facilities. These tests are designed to confirm that upgraded systems perform effectively and comply with aviation safety requirements before the airport officially returns to service.

The rehabilitation project represents a major investment in Vietnam airport infrastructure. The runway and taxiway improvement programme received an investment of more than VND 1.03 trillion, with construction beginning in March 2026. The project aims to improve aircraft movement efficiency and create stronger foundations for future passenger growth at one of Vietnam’s key regional airports.

Da Lat Tourism Receives Major Boost Through Renewed Air Connectivity

The reopening of Lien Khuong International Airport is expected to provide fresh momentum for Da Lat tourism by restoring convenient air access for domestic and overseas visitors. Da Lat, located in Lam Dong province, has become a major destination in Vietnam due to its cool climate, scenic landscapes, agricultural experiences and cultural attractions.

With the airport returning to operation, travellers will once again have easier access to the Central Highlands region. Improved connectivity is expected to support hotels, resorts, tour operators and local businesses that depend on visitor arrivals. The reopening also strengthens Vietnam’s ability to promote year-round tourism beyond traditional coastal destinations.

Following the reopening, the airport is expected to handle around 36 to 40 flight movements daily, connecting Da Lat with major Vietnamese cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, Can Tho and Hai Phong. The Da Lat–Kuala Lumpur international route is also planned to resume, expanding opportunities for international tourism flows.

The restoration of flight connections will provide greater convenience for both leisure and business travellers. It will also support regional economic development by improving access between Lam Dong province and major commercial centres across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Airlines Prepare to Restore Domestic and International Flight Networks

Vietnamese airlines are preparing to restart services at Lien Khuong International Airport after the August reopening. Vietjet Air plans to restore flights connecting Da Lat with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Vinh and Da Nang. Vietnam Airlines will also resume operations from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang using Airbus A321 aircraft.

Together, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are expected to restore 91 weekly return flights, significantly improving travel options for passengers visiting the Central Highlands. The expanded flight schedule is expected to meet increasing demand from residents, tourists and business travellers seeking faster connections to Da Lat.

The airport’s improved infrastructure will also create opportunities for future international route expansion. Authorities are targeting stronger links between Da Lat and overseas markets including South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Japan and Hong Kong. These connections could further strengthen Lam Dong’s position as an international tourism destination.

The planned expansion of international routes reflects Vietnam’s broader ambition to increase global tourism competitiveness. By upgrading regional airports and improving connectivity, the country aims to distribute visitor flows more evenly across destinations while reducing pressure on major aviation hubs.

Central Highlands Tourism Growth Gains New Aviation Advantage

Lien Khuong International Airport plays a strategic role as the primary aviation gateway to Da Lat and the Central Highlands. The airport’s reopening is expected to contribute significantly to regional tourism growth by providing better access to natural attractions, heritage sites and local experiences.

The Central Highlands region has increasingly attracted travellers searching for cooler destinations, outdoor adventures and authentic cultural experiences. Improved air connectivity will help tourism operators create stronger travel packages while encouraging longer stays and wider exploration of Lam Dong province.

The upgraded airport is also expected to support economic development beyond tourism. Better aviation infrastructure can encourage investment, improve business mobility and strengthen trade links between the Central Highlands and other domestic and international markets.

As Vietnam continues expanding its aviation network, regional airports such as Lien Khuong International Airport are becoming increasingly important. The reopening demonstrates how infrastructure upgrades can directly support tourism recovery, passenger growth and long-term regional development.

Future Expansion Plans Position Lien Khuong as Key Vietnam Aviation Gateway

The return of Lien Khuong International Airport represents more than the restoration of flights. It reflects Vietnam’s continued investment in modern aviation infrastructure and its ambition to create stronger links between emerging tourism regions and global markets.

Once operations stabilise, the airport is expected to accommodate increased passenger volumes compared with previous levels. Authorities forecast that the airport could serve around 6,800 passengers daily, with passenger throughput during the final four months of 2026 projected at approximately 816,000 travellers.

The reopening will allow Da Lat and Lam Dong province to strengthen their position within Vietnam’s tourism landscape. With upgraded facilities, improved airline connections and plans for additional international routes, Lien Khuong International Airport is set to become an important driver of regional travel growth.

Vietnam’s aviation sector continues to expand as airports receive infrastructure upgrades and airlines increase connectivity. The August 19 reopening of Lien Khuong International Airport is expected to mark a new chapter for Da Lat tourism, creating stronger opportunities for visitors, businesses and the wider Central Highlands economy.