HCMC – The temporary closure of Lien Khuong Airport for upgrade, initially scheduled for November 2025, has been rescheduled to March next year, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).
ACV and Lam Dong Province finalized the decision to reschedule the upgrade project at a meeting on July 16. The renovation is expected to span six months, with completion targeted before the onset of the 2026 rainy season to ensure minimal disruption.
The project involves extending the runway to 3,250 meters in length and 45 meters in width, constructing a turnaround area, upgrading taxiways E1 and E2, enhancing brake stopways, improving the drainage system, and modernizing airfield lighting and aviation signage.
The total investment exceeds VND1,045 billion.
According to ACV, Lien Khuong Airport’s infrastructure is deteriorating, affecting operational frequency and making upgrades essential. The corporation had previously announced plans to close the airport for repairs starting this November.
However, as the temporary shutdown would significantly impact Lam Dong Province’s tourism sector and budget revenue, local authorities proposed postponing the closure.
In addition to upgrading Lien Khuong Airport, ACV plans to invest VND3.7 trillion to build a new passenger terminal and other supporting facilities at the site.
Lien Khuong Airport is about 28 kilometers from the former city center of Dalat. Originally built by the French in 1933 and upgraded by the U.S. in 1956, the airport currently handles around 2.5 million passengers annually.
In the first half of this year, Lien Khuong Airport served around one million passengers. By 2030, annual passenger volume is expected to exceed 3.5 million, with an average growth rate of 10%.
