Vietnam Boosts Da Lat Tourism as Upgraded Lien Khuong Airport Welcomes First International Flight

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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September 3, 2026 8:33 AM |

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Vietnam has reopened Lien Khuong Airport to boost Da Lat tourism growth. Vietnam has re-opened an important tourism route in the Central Highlands as Lien Khuong International Airport in Lam Dong Province re-commences international services following a major upgrading of the runway and taxiway, linking the mountain resort town of Da Lat with overseas visitors and reinforcing regional air connections.

The first international flight after the airport’s temporary closure landed on September 2, marking a significant milestone for Da Lat tourism recovery and Vietnam’s aviation connectivity. The reopening of international services is expected to create new opportunities for Lam Dong Province by improving access for overseas visitors, supporting tourism growth and expanding connections with important Southeast Asian markets.

Vietnam Restores Da Lat’s International Air Gateway After Major Airport Upgrade

Lien Khuong International Airport, the main aviation gateway serving Da Lat, has returned to international operations after being closed for nearly six months for extensive airport infrastructure improvements. The airport’s reopening has restored a vital connection between Vietnam’s famous mountain destination and international tourism markets.

The return of international flights represents an important development for Da Lat, a destination known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, cultural attractions and resort experiences. Improved air connectivity is expected to make the city more accessible for international travellers seeking destinations beyond Vietnam’s traditional coastal and urban tourism centres.

The first international service after reopening was operated by AirAsia. Flight AK571 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, arrived at Lien Khuong International Airport at 10:58 a.m. on September 2, bringing international passengers back to Da Lat.

Later the same day, Flight AK572 departed from Da Lat to Kuala Lumpur at 11:40 a.m., officially restoring scheduled international air services between the two destinations.

The restart of the Malaysia connection is expected to strengthen tourism exchanges between Vietnam and Malaysia while improving Da Lat’s position within the Southeast Asian travel network.

Vietnam’s Da Lat Tourism Gains Fresh Momentum Through New International Connectivity

The restoration of international routes is expected to provide fresh momentum for Lam Dong’s tourism industry as the province continues efforts to attract more overseas visitors and diversify its international visitor markets.

With direct air access returning, Da Lat is positioned to welcome more travellers from Malaysia and other regional markets. Better connectivity can encourage international tour operators to develop new travel packages linking Da Lat with wider Asia-Pacific tourism circuits.

The airport reopening comes at a time when destinations across Asia are competing for global travellers through improved transport infrastructure, upgraded facilities and stronger destination promotion.

For Lam Dong Province, improved aviation links are expected to support not only tourism development but also trade, investment and regional economic growth. The airport’s enhanced capacity creates opportunities for hotels, resorts, tourism businesses and local service providers to benefit from increasing visitor demand.

The Da Lat–Kuala Lumpur route is scheduled to operate four flights per week. Meanwhile, the Da Lat–Singapore route is expected to resume in December, operating three flights weekly, further expanding international access for travellers.

Vietnam Expands Regional Travel Links as Da Lat Airport Restarts Domestic and International Routes

Before international services resumed, Lien Khuong International Airport officially restarted operations at midnight on August 19 after completing its major rehabilitation programme.

The reopening restored several domestic aviation connections, including the Da Lat–Can Tho route, which returned after nearly six years of suspension. Domestic services connecting Da Lat with major Vietnamese cities have also resumed, including routes to:

• Ho Chi Minh City
• Hanoi
• Da Nang
• Vinh
• Hai Phong
• Can Tho

The restoration of these routes has strengthened Da Lat’s connection with Vietnam’s major economic and tourism centres. Travellers from across the country can now access the Central Highlands destination more easily, supporting both domestic tourism growth and international visitor expansion.

The return of flights has also supported wider destination development plans for Lam Dong Province, where improved aviation access is viewed as a key factor in attracting more visitors throughout the year.

Vietnam Completes US$39 Million Lien Khuong Airport Rehabilitation Project

The Lien Khuong Airport rehabilitation project was completed with an investment of more than VND1.03 trillion, equivalent to approximately US$39.24 million.

The improvement programme began on March 4 and focused on upgrading essential airport infrastructure required to improve flight safety, operational efficiency and long-term capacity.

The project included the rehabilitation of the airport’s 09/27 runway, which measures 3,250 metres in length and 45 metres in width.

Major improvements were also completed on:

• Taxiways
• Safety areas
• Drainage systems
• Runway lighting
• Approach lighting
• Flight operation support facilities

These upgrades were designed to improve aircraft handling capabilities and support smoother airport operations.

Following completion, Lien Khuong International Airport can now accommodate a wider range of Code C and Code D aircraft, including:

• Boeing 737
• Boeing 757
• Airbus A320
• Airbus A321
• Airbus A300
• ATR72

The upgraded facilities allow these aircraft to operate at their maximum permitted loads, improving the airport’s ability to attract more airlines and support future route expansion.

Vietnam’s Upgraded Da Lat Airport Prepares for Passenger Growth and Future Expansion

With upgraded facilities now operational, Lien Khuong International Airport is expected to significantly increase its passenger handling capacity.

During the initial phase after reopening, the airport is projected to handle around 36 to 40 flights per day and serve approximately 6,800 passengers daily.

Passenger traffic is expected to reach approximately 816,000 travellers during the final four months of 2026, reflecting renewed confidence in Da Lat’s aviation and tourism potential.

The increased capacity will allow the airport to better manage peak travel periods while providing airlines with improved operational conditions.

The infrastructure improvements also create a foundation for future international route expansion. As regional travel demand continues to grow, improved facilities could encourage airlines to introduce additional services connecting Da Lat with more destinations across Asia.

For international visitors, the reopening provides easier access to one of Vietnam’s most attractive highland tourism destinations. Da Lat’s combination of nature, heritage, agriculture experiences and luxury resorts is expected to gain stronger international visibility.

Vietnam Positions Da Lat as a Stronger International Tourism Destination

The revival of international aviation services at Lien Khuong International Airport represents more than the return of a single flight route. It reflects Vietnam’s broader strategy of strengthening tourism infrastructure and improving destination accessibility.

Strong air connectivity plays a major role in international tourism growth. By restoring direct links with Kuala Lumpur and preparing for future connections such as Singapore, Da Lat is becoming more integrated into the regional travel network.

The airport upgrade is expected to support Lam Dong Province’s tourism ambitions by attracting more overseas visitors and creating stronger links between local tourism businesses and international markets.

As airlines continue adjusting networks based on passenger demand, the upgraded Lien Khuong International Airport provides a stronger platform for future growth.

Vietnam has enhanced Da Lat tourism as upgraded Lien Khuong airport welcomes its first international flight, following an extensive runway rehabilitation work that re-established international air connectivity and expanded the reach for foreign tourists.

The reopening of the airport represents a new era for Da Lat tourism, as it provides a more accessible gateway for international visitors and gives Lam Dong province a fresh opportunity to re-establish itself as one of Vietnam’s premier highland tourist destinations.