The proposal was discussed at an investment and tourism promotion conference jointly organised by Lam Dong authorities and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Thanh Hoa Province on October 29.
Restoring the Lien Khuong-Tho Xuan route was a key focus of the conference, with officials and businesses exploring ways to establish sustainable passenger demand.
Thanh Hoa People's Committee Vice Chairman Dau Thanh Tung said the two provinces had complementary tourism strengths despite their geographical distance.
Thanh Hoa offers beaches, cultural heritage and destinations such as Sam Son, Hai Tien, the Ho Dynasty Citadel, Lam Kinh and Pu Luong. Lam Dong, meanwhile, is known for its highland climate, mountain scenery, resorts, agricultural tourism and coastal attractions.
Tung said regional cooperation should extend beyond connecting tourist destinations to linking markets, infrastructure, businesses and value chains.
He stressed that restoring the air route would require not only reopening flights but also generating consistent passenger demand and ensuring commercial viability.
He urged airlines, travel agencies, accommodation providers and tourism operators to develop packages combining flights, hotels, transport and sightseeing.
Tourism businesses in both provinces should also coordinate itineraries, pricing, promotion and responsibilities, he added.
Lam Dong People's Committee Vice Chairman Dinh Van Tuan said the province's expanded territory following administrative mergers offered diverse development opportunities spanning highlands, forests and coastal areas.
These advantages could support high-tech agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, trade and tourism.
Tuan said stronger links with Thanh Hoa would expand tourism markets, boost sales of local products and create new business opportunities.
He emphasised that any air route restoration must reflect actual market demand, operational capacity, commercial viability and other relevant conditions to ensure long-term sustainability.
At the conference, Lam Dong's Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre presented 100 projects and investment opportunities from its 2026 portfolio.
Information on project locations, scale, development plans, legal frameworks and investment procedures has been digitised to help potential investors.
The province is also reviewing and updating a broader portfolio of nearly 500 projects and investment opportunities.
Alongside the proposed restoration of the Lien Khuong-Tho Xuan route, participants discussed possible flights between Lien Khuong and Vinh, which could expand tourism links with Nghe An, Ha Tinh and the wider north-central region.
