Why Must the First International Airport in the Central Highlands Close Just Over a Month After Opening?

Recently, the leadership of Lam Dong Province held a meeting with the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to discuss the progress of the runway and taxiway repair project at Lien Khuong International Airport.

According to reports, the runway and taxiway system at Lien Khuong International Airport, constructed between 2003 and 2007, has exceeded its designed lifespan. Inspection results reveal severe pavement degradation, multiple forms of damage, reduced load-bearing capacity, and potential risks to flight safety.

Over the years, the Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) has permitted several maintenance and repair campaigns to sustain operations. However, these measures are temporary and insufficient to address the airport’s infrastructure deterioration comprehensively.

The runway and taxiway repair project is part of the adjusted master plan for Lien Khuong Airport for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. Key components include rehabilitating the existing deteriorated runway, upgrading taxiways, improving drainage systems, enhancing technical infrastructure, and constructing foundations for specialized equipment.

Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the lighting system and flight operation equipment, which have been in continuous use for years, will also be modernized. Upon completion, the airport will conduct calibration flights before resuming operations.

The proposed project has a total investment of over 966 billion VND, including the construction of a new 3,250m long and 45m wide runway, along with synchronized taxiways and technical infrastructure.

Additionally, ACV plans to invest approximately 3.7 trillion VND in a new passenger terminal and auxiliary facilities, aiming to increase the airport’s capacity to over 5 million passengers annually after 2030.

During the meeting, ACV’s Project Management Unit confirmed full preparedness for the project’s commencement. The contractors and consultants involved have extensive experience in aviation construction and repair.

Consequently, relevant agencies have proposed

a construction plan and agreed to close the airport from March 4th to facilitate the work.

The construction is expected to last approximately 4.5 months, with the goal of reopening the airport by mid-August 2026.

Lien Khuong International Airport, located in Duc Trong District (formerly), is approximately 28km from Da Lat’s city center. Established in 1933 and upgraded in 1956, it officially became the first international airport in the Central Highlands region in June 2024.

Currently, the airport serves around 2.5 million passengers annually, acting as a vital aviation gateway for Lam Dong Province and the entire Central Highlands, significantly contributing to Da Lat’s tourism growth.

According to the master plan, by 2030, Lien Khuong Airport will meet 4E standards, capable of handling wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, with a capacity of approximately 5 million passengers and 20,000 tons of cargo annually. Post-2030, the runway will be extended to 3,600m, increasing the airport’s total capacity to around 7 million passengers per year.