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Airport guide

Lien Khuong International Airport

Lien Khuong International Airport is the principal aviation gateway to Da Lat and the highland core of present-day Lam Dong. The airport became an international airport in June 2024 and temporarily closed on 4 March 2026 for comprehensive runway and taxiway rehabilitation. It reopened at 00:01 on 19 August 2026, earlier than the original closure window. Runway 09/27 measures 3,250 m × 45 m; the 2026 project replaced the existing asphalt runway pavement structure with cement concrete to improve long-term safety and load-bearing performance. Current development orientation is ICAO Code 4E, with planning capacity of about 5 million passengers per year by 2030 and about 7 million by 2050. These are future planning capacities rather than current traffic figures.

DLI
Overview

Understand the airport as a journey, a gateway and a regional transport system.

Lien Khuong sits south of Da Lat and functions as the air front door to the province's central highland tourism, service and high-value agricultural economy. Its role became more significant after international-airport status was granted in 2024. In 2026 the airport underwent one of its most consequential recent infrastructure interventions: runway 09/27 and associated taxiways were rehabilitated during a temporary closure beginning 4 March. The airport returned to service on 19 August 2026 after calibration, acceptance and regulatory approval. Authorities planned approximately 36–40 flight movements per day after reopening, centered on major domestic markets, while maintaining or rebuilding selected international connectivity. Longer-term development aims for Code 4E capability, approximately 5 million passengers annually by 2030 and 7 million by 2050. VietnamWaving separates this planning scale from the infrastructure and traffic actually operating today.

Key things to understand

  • Principal aviation gateway for Da Lat and the highland core of Lam Dong.
  • Upgraded to international-airport status in June 2024.
  • Temporarily closed from 4 March 2026 for major runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
  • Reopened for operations at 00:01 on 19 August 2026.
  • Runway 09/27 measures 3,250 m × 45 m.
  • The 2026 works replaced the runway's asphalt pavement structure with cement concrete.
  • Development orientation is ICAO Code 4E, supporting future larger-aircraft capability.
  • Planning capacity is about 5 million passengers/year by 2030 and 7 million by 2050.
  • Post-reopening planning anticipated roughly 36–40 flight movements per day.
  • The airport's geography makes it especially relevant to Da Lat and the central highlands, not equally convenient for every part of the enlarged province.
Why it matters

Read the airport as a system, not just a terminal

Strategic role

Lien Khuong gives Da Lat and Lam Dong's highland economy direct access to Vietnam's aviation network and a platform for stronger international tourism, investment and high-value logistics.

What makes it distinctive

It combines a strong Da Lat tourism role with international-airport status and a newly rehabilitated runway system positioned for Code 4E development.

What users often miss

The airport reopened in August 2026 after a major temporary closure, and its 5-million/7-million passenger figures are future planning capacities rather than present throughput.

In one sentence

Lien Khuong is Da Lat's international airport: it reopened in August 2026 after major runway works and is planned to grow toward Code 4E scale, 5 million passengers by 2030 and 7 million by 2050.

Airport identity

What role does this airport actually play?

Role
Principal aviation gateway for Da Lat and the highland core of the enlarged Lam Dong province.
Airport Type
International airport.
Iata
DLI
Current Status
Operating; reopened on 19 August 2026 after the 2026 runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
International Status
Upgraded to international-airport status in June 2024.
Planning Class
ICAO Code 4E under the development orientation cited by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.
Core Insight
Lien Khuong is an operating international airport whose runway and taxiway were comprehensively rehabilitated in 2026; the 5-million-passenger 2030 and 7-million-passenger 2050 figures are planning capacities, not current annual throughput.
Airport essentials

Navigate the terminals without guesswork

Terminals

Passenger terminal

Domestic and international passenger processing

Passenger journey

From check-in to the city — follow the flow

Arrival and departure flow

Departure
  • Arrive at the passenger terminal
  • Check in and drop baggage
  • Complete required security and, for international services, border formalities
  • Proceed to gate
  • Board
Arrival
  • Disembark
  • Complete applicable arrival formalities
  • Collect baggage
  • Enter arrivals area
  • Continue by road toward Da Lat or other Lam Dong destinations
Planning Advice
Allow additional time during Da Lat tourism peaks, festivals and holiday periods.

Transfer strategy

Getting connected

Reach the city, the region and the wider air network

Surface access

Da Lat
Lien Khuong lies south of Da Lat and is connected to the city by the principal road corridor through Duc Trong.
Duc Trong
The airport is closely integrated with the Duc Trong area and the southern approach to Da Lat.
Bao Loc
Bao Loc and the southern highlands are reached by longer road transfers.
Expanded Province
The post-2025 province extends from the Central Highlands to the former Binh Thuan coast and former Dak Nong territory; Lien Khuong is not a convenient airport for every part of this exceptionally large province.
Editorial Rule
Avoid one province-wide airport-access time because Lam Dong now spans very large highland, western plateau and coastal territories.

Air connectivity

Domestic2026
After reopening in August 2026, the planned operating network included Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, Can Tho and Hai Phong.
International2026
Provincial and aviation authorities identified Kuala Lumpur for continued international operation and prioritized restoration of Incheon and Bangkok, while studying additional Northeast Asian markets.
Traffic Plan At Reopening
Authorities expected roughly 36–40 flight movements per day after reopening.
Route Rule
Routes and frequencies are time-sensitive; verify live schedules before presenting them as current.
At the airport

Services, accessibility and practical preparation

Passenger services

Core
  • Passenger check-in
  • Security screening
  • Baggage handling
  • Boarding facilities
  • Ground transport services
International
International-airport status supports border-processing functions when scheduled international services operate.
Tourism Role
Passenger demand is strongly influenced by Da Lat leisure travel, festivals and highland tourism.
Editorial Rule
Specific shops, counters, lounges and operators should be verified before publication.

Accessibility

Assistance
Passengers requiring mobility, boarding or baggage assistance should arrange support with their airline in advance.
Ground Transport
Travelers with reduced mobility should pre-arrange suitable road transport for the transfer to Da Lat or other destinations.
Editorial Rule
Do not claim a specific accessibility certification without direct verification.

Family travel

Strengths
  • Direct aviation gateway for Da Lat
  • Road connection to the highland tourism core
  • Domestic trunk-route connectivity
Planning
  • Confirm live flight status.
  • Pre-arrange suitable family transport.
  • Allow additional time during festival and holiday peaks.
  • Carry essentials for longer road transfers beyond Da Lat.

Before you travel

  • Confirm the current flight schedule before traveling.
  • Remember that the airport reopened on 19 August 2026 after a major runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
  • Allow extra time during Da Lat tourism and festival peaks.
  • Pre-arrange onward transport for destinations outside Da Lat.
  • Verify international routes before relying on them.
  • Do not describe 5 million passengers per year as current throughput; it is the 2030 planning capacity.
  • Do not describe 7 million passengers per year as current throughput; it is the 2050 planning capacity.
Operating conditions

Plan for peaks, weather and disruption

Peak periods

Da Lat Tourism
Da Lat's holiday, flower and cool-climate tourism demand can create strong passenger peaks.
Holidays
Tet and national holidays increase travel demand.
Festival2026
The airport's August 2026 reopening preceded the Da Lat Flower Festival period, reinforcing its strategic tourism role.
Planning Advice
  • Book flights and transfers early.
  • Allow more airport time in peak periods.
  • Check weather and operational notices.

Weather and disruption

Highland Climate
The airport operates in a Central Highlands environment with seasonal rain, low cloud and weather variability.
Wet Season
Heavy rain can affect road journeys and aviation operations.
Fog And Cloud
Highland cloud and visibility conditions can influence flight operations.
Passenger Rule
Use live airline and airport information during adverse weather.

Security and processing

2026 Rehabilitation
The runway and taxiway rehabilitation was undertaken to restore pavement quality, strengthen operational safety and support long-term stable use.
Runway
Runway 09/27 measures 3,250 m × 45 m.
Construction Solution
The 2026 project replaced the existing asphalt runway pavement structure with cement concrete.
Future Capability
The development orientation is Code 4E and is intended to support modern widebody aircraft such as Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
Editorial Rule
Aircraft capability and planning class should not be confused with evidence that a particular widebody type is currently scheduled.
Airport intelligence

Capacity, growth and the airport's next chapter

Recent capacity development

Current Context
The airport reopened in August 2026 after runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
2030 Planning Capacity
Approximately 5 million passengers per year.
2050 Planning Capacity
Approximately 7 million passengers per year.
Planning Class
ICAO Code 4E.
Widebody Direction
Infrastructure development is intended to enable larger Code E aircraft and longer-range connectivity.
Status Rule
Planning capacity and potential aircraft capability are not the same as current passenger throughput or current scheduled fleet.

Current operations

Status
Operating.
Reopened
00:01 local time on 19 August 2026.
Closure Period
Temporarily closed from 4 March 2026 for runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
Runway
Runway 09/27, 3,250 m × 45 m.
Reopening Network
Authorities planned domestic links including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, Can Tho and Hai Phong.
Expected Daily Movements
Approximately 36–40 flight movements per day were expected in the reopening plan.
Expected Late2026 Traffic
Authorities projected around 816,000 passengers during the final four months of 2026.
Editorial Rule
Route and frequency statements require ongoing verification.

Long-term airport planning

International Status
Lien Khuong was upgraded to international-airport status in June 2024.
Planning Class
ICAO Code 4E.
2030 Passengers
Approximately 5 million passengers per year.
2050 Passengers
Approximately 7 million passengers per year.
Strategic Direction
Strengthen international connectivity, accommodate larger aircraft and support tourism, trade and investment in Lam Dong.
2026 Project
Comprehensive runway 09/27 and taxiway rehabilitation completed ahead of the original closure window, enabling reopening on 19 August 2026.
Editorial Rule
Treat the Code 4E and capacity figures as planning/development orientation unless individual completed facilities are separately verified.
Cargo and investment

See the airport as part of its regional economic network

Cargo gateway

Role
Air cargo can support high-value, time-sensitive products from Lam Dong's horticulture, flowers, vegetables and specialty agriculture.
Opportunity
  • Flowers and horticulture
  • High-value fresh produce
  • Specialty agricultural products
  • Express logistics
  • Tourism and hospitality supply chains
Constraint
Passenger aviation currently dominates the airport's public profile.
Editorial Rule
Do not state a cargo design capacity without a current authoritative airport-specific source.

Regional investment impact

Da Lat
The airport is essential to Da Lat's national and international tourism accessibility.
Agriculture
Air connectivity can strengthen time-sensitive logistics for flowers, vegetables and other high-value highland products.
Services
Improved aviation supports hospitality, education, healthcare, meetings and professional services.
Post Merger Province
The enlarged Lam Dong has multiple economic poles; Lien Khuong is especially important to the central highland core rather than serving every coastal and western district equally.
International Role
International-airport status creates a platform for direct overseas tourism and investment links.
Economic reach

Industrial catchment

01

Da Lat

Tourism, hospitality, services, education, healthcare and high-tech agriculture

Primary passenger-demand centre.
02

Duc Trong–Lien Nghia

Airport-area services, agriculture, logistics and urban development

Immediate airport economic catchment.
03

Don Duong–Da Lat agricultural belt

Flowers, vegetables and high-value horticulture

Potential time-sensitive air-logistics demand.
04

Bao Loc–Di Linh

Tea, coffee, silk, agriculture and services

Important southern-highland business and passenger catchment.
05

Wider Lam Dong

Tourism, agriculture, industry and investment across the enlarged province

Strategic highland gateway, with ground-distance limitations for the far western and coastal territories.

Investor checklist

  • Use lien-khuong-airport as the Province Profile reference.
  • Use lam-dong as provinceSlug.
  • Treat Lien Khuong as an operating international airport.
  • Record reopening on 19 August 2026 after the runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
  • Use 3,250 m × 45 m for runway 09/27.
  • Use Code 4E as the development orientation.
  • Use about 5 million passengers/year for the 2030 planning capacity.
  • Use about 7 million passengers/year for the 2050 planning capacity.
  • Do not equate planned widebody capability with current scheduled widebody operations.
  • Verify current international routes and frequencies before investment or tourism analysis.
Business and investment

Use the airport as a regional decision-making lens

Business travel

Strengths
  • Direct gateway for Da Lat
  • Domestic trunk connectivity
  • International-airport status
  • Rehabilitated runway and taxiway infrastructure
  • Strategic access to the central highland economy
Limitations
  • Ground transfer still required to Da Lat
  • International schedules are limited and time-sensitive
  • The enlarged province is geographically vast
Decision Rule
Lien Khuong is the natural airport for Da Lat and much of central/southern highland Lam Dong; road, rail or other airports may be more practical for the province's distant coastal and western territories.

Air vs road vs rail vs sea

Air
Best for long-distance access to Da Lat and the highland tourism core.
Road
Essential for onward movement throughout Lam Dong and competitive for some regional journeys.
Rail
The operating North–South Railway serves the former Binh Thuan coastal territory, not Da Lat or Lien Khuong directly.
Sea
Maritime transport is relevant to the coastal and Phu Quy parts of the enlarged province but not a substitute for highland aviation.
Decision Rule
Choose Lien Khuong for Da Lat-focused long-distance travel; choose road, rail or coastal gateways according to the actual destination within the enlarged province.
Know before you assume

Common airport misconceptions

Airport evolution

How the gateway has changed

International-airport status

Lien Khuong was upgraded to international-airport status, strengthening its role as Lam Dong's aviation gateway.

Temporary closure begins

The airport closed temporarily for runway 09/27 and taxiway rehabilitation.

Calibration flights begin

Navigation and airfield-lighting calibration formed part of the process required before reopening.

Airport reopens

Runway and taxiway infrastructure returned to operation and commercial flights resumed earlier than the original closure window.

Code 4E development

Planning orientation targets approximately 5 million passengers per year and capability for larger Code E aircraft.

Long-term capacity

Planning capacity rises to approximately 7 million passengers per year.

Connections

Explore Vietnam's aviation network

Dau Giay–Phan Thiet ExpresswayThe operating expressway materially improves road access between the Phan Thiết coast and the Hồ Chí Minh City economic region.
North–South Railway – Coastal Lam DongThe national railway remains an important passenger and freight connection for the coastal part of the province.
Understand aviation

Airport terms worth knowing

A compact reference for the terminology used throughout this dashboard.

DLI

IATA code for Lien Khuong International Airport.

Runway 09/27

The airport's 3,250 m × 45 m runway, comprehensively rehabilitated in 2026.

Code 4E

ICAO airport-reference-code scale used for the airport's development orientation and larger-aircraft capability.

Planning capacity

Future infrastructure-handling target, distinct from actual current passenger throughput.

Sources

Where this airport guide comes from

Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

Lien Khuong International Airport officially resumes operations

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Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

Runway and taxiway at Lien Khuong International Airport return to operation

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Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

Lien Khuong International Airport enters calibration-flight phase

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Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

Groundbreaking of runway and taxiway repair project at Lien Khuong International Airport

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Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

Lien Khuong International Airport ready to resume operations from 19 August

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