Lien Khuong Airport Reopening Set to Boost Da Lat Tourism

Lien Khuong International Airport, a key gateway to Vietnam's central Lam Dong province, is set to resume domestic flight operations from August 19 and some international services from September 2. This reopening is expected to significantly boost tourism and stimulate the local economy in Da Lat, a renowned highland resort city. The provincial People's Committee announced a tourism promotion and flight development plan on July 21, following the airport's readiness. Post-August 19, Lien Khuong Airport is projected to handle an average of 36-40 flights and around 6,800 passengers daily, an increase of nearly 1,000 passengers compared to its pre-closure levels. Passenger throughput is anticipated to reach approximately 816,000 in the final four months of 2026. Under the resumption plans of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and AirAsia, domestic services will connect Da Lat with major cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, Hai Phong, and Can Tho. The Da Lat-Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat-Hanoi routes are each expected to operate seven to eight flights daily. Lien Khuong will also strengthen its role as an international gateway to Vietnam's Central Highlands. The Da Lat-Kuala Lumpur route is scheduled to resume on September 2 with four flights per week. Lam Dong province is also actively working to launch or restore services to South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, mainland China, Japan, and Hong Kong as part of its strategy to establish Da Lat as a year-round international destination. Before its temporary closure for repairs and upgrades, the airport facilitated an average of around 5,900 passengers per day across five domestic and two international routes, along with charter flights from the Republic of Korea and Taiwan. These connections were vital for attracting visitors to Da Lat and Lam Dong, particularly in the resort, golf, MICE, and international tourism segments. To capitalize on the airport's reopening, the provincial administration is planning various measures to enhance the destination's appeal. Tourism businesses will collaborate with airlines to develop competitively priced packages that bundle air tickets, accommodation, transport, and sightseeing. The province will also promote three- to five-day holiday packages focusing on flowers, agritourism, wellness, golf, and local cultural experiences. Service providers have been urged to refrain from unreasonable price hikes during the recovery period to maintain Lam Dong's reputation as a friendly and attractive destination. By the end of 2026, the province aims to restore or launch one to two additional domestic routes, finalize at least two joint tour and travel package programs between airlines and tourism businesses, and successfully tap into one to two new international markets.