HCMC – Lam Dong Province is rolling out measures to boost road travel, ramp up marketing and offer service discounts to offset an expected loss of nearly one million visitors during the temporary closure of Lien Khuong International Airport for upgrades.
The airport has been closed since March 4 for runway and taxiway upgrades and is expected to reopen on August 25, 2026. The closure is projected to lose nearly one million visitors.
Therefore, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been tasked with developing plans to attract road travelers, focusing on HCMC and southeastern and south-central provinces.
Self-driving tourists and passengers using high-quality coach services have been identified as key target groups. The tourism sector will also strengthen linkages with neighboring localities, particularly adjacent areas.
A range of cultural, sports and tourism events will be stepped up to attract visitors, including the 11th Dalat Flower Festival, a series of summer tourism programs and various music and sporting activities.
The province’s Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center will lead promotional campaigns across major media channels during the airport closure.
The Department of Construction has been told to fast-track road upgrades, including work on national highways 28B and 27C, repairs to Highway 20, and improvements to key passes such as Prenn, Mimosa and Ta Nung.
It is also encouraging transport firms to add routes linking Lam Dong with Cam Ranh, Buon Ma Thuot and Tan Son Nhat airports.
The province is encouraging businesses to join the stimulus program, offer service discounts of 20% to 30% for road travelers, and develop promotional packages.
According to the provincial People’s Committee, Lam Dong welcomed more than six million visitors in the first three months of 2026, up 22.5% year on year, including over 524,000 international arrivals.
The temporary closure of Lien Khuong Airport is expected to significantly affect mid- to high-end segments, including international, MICE and long-haul travelers. Longer travel times and increased traffic on key highways are also likely to dampen demand.
