Lien Khuong Airport reopens after 5-month closure for runway repairs

Lien Khuong Airport in Vietnam's Lam Dong province officially reopened on August 19, welcoming its first flight after a five-month hiatus for extensive runway and taxiway repairs. The Vietnam Airlines flight VN1380 from Ho Chi Minh City touched down at 6:45 a.m. and was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, marking the resumption of commercial operations.

During its closure, the airport underwent significant upgrades, with the total investment reaching over 1,032 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $40 million USD). The project, which began on March 4, 2026, was completed ahead of schedule due to efficient construction management and material sourcing.

The reopening is anticipated to be a major catalyst for tourism and the broader economy of Lam Dong province. This comes at a crucial time as the region prepares to host several major events, including the Da Lat Flower Festival, the Vietnam Brocade Culture Festival, and the Lang Biang International Music Festival in 2026. The airport is projected to handle around 816,000 passengers in the final four months of 2026.

Airlines have moved quickly to re-establish flight routes. Initially, Lien Khuong Airport will operate 36-40 flights daily, serving approximately 6,800 passengers each day. Domestic routes connecting Da Lat with major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, Hai Phong, and Can Tho have been restored. International services are also set to resume, with the Da Lat-Kuala Lumpur route operating four times weekly and the Da Lat-Singapore route restarting in December 2026 with three flights per week.

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The reopening of Lien Khuong International Airport is not just the completion of an aviation infrastructure project but also the restoration of an important transportation gateway for Lam Dong and the Central Highlands region.