Lien Khuong Airport to Undergo US$40 Million Upgrade for Enhanced Capacity

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Lien Khuong International Airport, a key entry point to the picturesque city of Da Lat in Vietnam, is set to temporarily close for a six-month, US$40 million upgrade. The airport, located in Lam Dong Province in the Central Highlands, will see extensive maintenance work including the renovation of runways and taxiways, and the installation of new drainage, lighting, and warning systems.

While the exact date for the closure hasn't been confirmed, authorities aim to avoid peak travel periods to minimize disruption to residents and businesses. This significant overhaul is a coordinated effort involving provincial authorities, relevant ministries, and the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the project's investor.

Currently, Lien Khuong Airport serves approximately 2.5 million passengers annually, attracting a substantial number of tourists from South Korea and Thailand. Established by the French in 1933 and later updated by the U.S. in 1956, the airport has undergone several key expansions, including a runway extension in 1997 to accommodate larger aircraft to ICAO 3C standards, and further renovations between 2003 and 2007, boosting it to ICAO 4D standards.

The upcoming upgrades aim to elevate the airport to ICAO 4E standards by 2030, permitting operations for wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. This will double its passenger capacity to 5 million annually, also facilitating the transport of 20,000 tons of cargo. Plans post-2030 include extending the runway to 3,600 meters and further increasing capacity to 7 million passengers each year.

These enhancements are poised to establish Lien Khuong Airport as a critical aviation hub for Vietnam's Central Highlands, significantly enhancing connectivity for Da Lat to national and international destinations.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-05-20