A corner of Lien Khuong International Airport
The project includes repairing the degraded runway, upgrading taxiways, improving drainage, technical infrastructure and aviation safety systems, and building foundations for specialised equipment.
At the same time, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam plans to invest VND 3.7 trillion (USD 140.3 million) to build a new passenger terminal and related facilities, targeting an annual capacity of more than five million passengers after 2030.
According to ACV, the upgrade is urgent as the runway, taxiway, drainage system and lighting have shown significant deterioration after years of continuous operation.
ACV has completed construction design and bidding documents for supervision and construction and expects to select contractors next month to meet the planned closure schedule.
Lam Dong authorities have requested ACV to concentrate resources to finish the project before August 25 next year so the airport can reopen on September 1, aligning with National Day on September 2. The province also asked ACV to soon confirm closure and reopening dates to support planning for major events.
For travellers from northern and central regions, Cam Ranh Airport in Khanh Hoa and Buon Ma Thuot Airport in Dak Lak are alternative gateways.
Cam Ranh is about 160 kilometres from Dalat and handles about 15 daily flights from Hanoi. Travellers can continue to Dalat by a three- to four-hour coach ride.
Buon Ma Thuot Airport, about 200 kilometres from Dalat, is another option, with rental cars and coaches available.
Travellers preferring a slower journey can take a train to Nha Trang and continue by road to Dalat for scenic mountain views. From the south, the common option is a 300-kilometre coach journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat, taking six to eight hours.
Lien Khuong Airport, about 30 kilometres from Dalat centre, was built in 1933 and recognised as the first international airport in the Central Highlands in June last year. Under the 2030 plan, it will reach level 4E with a capacity of five million passengers a year and will include a new international terminal (T2), aiming to become a key gateway connecting the Central Highlands with major domestic and international destinations.
