Da Lat's Lien Khuong Airport Resumes International Flights, Boosting Tourism

Lien Khuong International Airport, serving the central highlands tourist town of Da Lat, has officially resumed international flight operations after completing runway rehabilitation. The move is expected to provide fresh momentum for the recovery of the regional economy, particularly its tourism sector. On September 2, at 10:58 a.m., AirAsia Flight AK571 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, landed at Lien Khuong International Airport, bringing the first international passengers back to Da Lat. At 11:40 a.m. the same day, Flight AK572 from Da Lat to Kuala Lumpur took off, marking the official resumption of scheduled international air services between the two cities. The restoration of international routes is anticipated to be a significant driver for Lam Dong Province's tourism sector, as the province steps up destination promotion, diversifies its international visitor markets, and strengthens connectivity with major tourism hubs in the region. Specifically, the Da Lat–Kuala Lumpur route is scheduled to operate four flights a week, and the Da Lat–Singapore route is set to resume in December with three flights per week. The runway and taxiway rehabilitation project at Lien Khuong Airport, with a total investment of over VND1.03 trillion (US$39.24 million), commenced on March 4 this year. The project focused on rehabilitating the 3,250-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway 09/27, along with taxiways, safety areas, drainage systems, and lighting facilities supporting flight operations. The upgraded infrastructure now accommodates Code C and D aircraft, such as the B737, A320, and ATR72, operating at their maximum allowable loads, enhancing the airport's operational capacity and paving the way for future network expansion. In its initial phase, the airport is expected to handle approximately 36-40 flights a day and serve around 6,800 passengers daily. Passenger throughput is projected to reach about 816,000 in the final four months of 2026. Under Vietnam's one-party system, economic growth and infrastructure development are national priorities. Initiatives to bolster tourism are crucial for foreign exchange earnings and job creation. Strengthening tourism and economic ties within Southeast Asia is also a component of Vietnam's foreign policy, particularly given its significant economic relationship with China.