A corner of Lien Khuong Airport
The information was announced at a recent Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee meeting. While the exact closure date has not been set, authorities confirmed that preparations are underway.
The project, led by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), will extend the runway to 3,250 metres in length and 45 metres in width and improve the turning pads. Taxiways E1 and E2, related infrastructure, and brake stop zones at both ends of the runway will also be upgraded. The project also includes installing new drainage systems, runway lights, and aviation signage.
Located in Lien Nghia Town, Duc Trong District, about 28 kilometres from downtown Da Lat, Lien Khuong Airport was built by the French in 1933 and upgraded by the United States in 1956. In 1997, the runway was extended from 1,480 to 2,354 metres, meeting ICAO’s 3C airport classification.
Between 2003 and 2007, the airport was expanded and upgraded to 4D standard, making it capable of handling aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and A321. It serves around 2.5 million passengers annually, including tourists from countries like South Korea and Thailand.
The Lam Dong provincial government has urged the project’s investor to choose a construction timeline that avoids peak tourism seasons to minimise the impact on residents, businesses, and the regional economy.
Relevant provincial departments have been tasked with coordinating with ACV to review investment preparations and construction strategies. The aim is to complete the project within six months, down from the initial eight-month plan.
According to Vietnam’s aviation development roadmap, Lien Khuong Airport is set to reach 4E classification by 2030, capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. By then, it will be able to serve 5 million passengers and 20,000 tonnes of cargo annually. After 2030, the runway will be extended to 3,600 metres, with capacity increasing to 7 million passengers annually.
