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The city of Da Lat, known as the "City of a Thousand Flowers," is facing a major turning point in its transportation infrastructure as Lam Dong province's only "gateway to the sky" is temporarily closing. According to an official announcement, Lien Khuong International Airport will suspend all operations for nearly six months, from March 4th, 2026 to August 25th, 2026.
The temporary closure of Lien Khuong Airport is part of a comprehensive plan to repair and upgrade the runway and taxiway systems, which have deteriorated after years of high-intensity operation. Since the last comprehensive upgrade between 2003 and 2007, this is the first time the gateway airport to Da Lat has undergone such a large-scale renovation and expansion. Aimed at bringing Lien Khuong up to ICAO's 4E standard, this project is not simply about repairing surface damage but also serves as a stepping stone to increase its designed capacity to 5 million passengers per year.
During this period, airlines will temporarily suspend all flights to and from Lien Khuong Airport, and adjust their flight schedules to ensure passenger travel needs are met and regional air connectivity is maintained.
With Lien Khuong officially becoming the first international airport in the Central Highlands region in June 2024, completing the infrastructure is a pressing requirement. Upon completion, the new runway will be capable of accommodating more modern, wide-body aircraft, while ensuring absolute safety for the rapidly growing international flights from South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. Although the nearly half-year disruption caused considerable inconvenience, in the long term, this is a worthwhile investment for Da Lat to break through its limitations in air travel capacity.
Airlines are simultaneously shifting routes and implementing passenger support policies.
Immediately after the lockdown was announced, major airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines quickly adjusted their flight schedules. Vietnam Airlines was the first to announce the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Da Lat. To meet passenger demand, the airline increased the frequency of flights on nearby routes such as Ho Chi Minh City - Buon Ma Thuot, Ho Chi Minh City - Pleiku, and Da Nang - Buon Ma Thuot.
Regarding customer rights, airlines have implemented quite satisfactory support policies. Passengers who have tickets to or from Lien Khuong between March 4th and August 25th are allowed to change their flight date or itinerary once completely free of charge. For travelers who do not wish to change their schedule or cannot find a suitable alternative, the airlines commit to refunding the full ticket price and any additional service fees without charging any extra fees.
The closure of Lien Khuong Airport during the peak summer tourist season of 2026 will undoubtedly create a "shift" from air travel to land travel. According to tourism experts, the number of visitors to Da Lat will not decrease drastically, but the way people access the city will change completely. Instead of taking less than an hour's flight from Ho Chi Minh City, tourists will now prioritize travel options such as sleeper buses, limousines, or private vehicles.
The closure of Lien Khuong Airport during the peak summer travel season of 2026 will undoubtedly create a "shift" from air to land transportation.
For tourists from the North and Central regions, flying to Cam Ranh Airport (Khanh Hoa) and then traveling by car over the Khanh Le Pass to Da Lat is becoming the most optimal option. With a distance of over 100 km and a travel time of approximately 3 hours, this route not only helps maintain travel schedules but also offers a breathtaking experience of the majestic natural landscapes of the coastal region connecting to the highlands. Meanwhile, tourists from the South can take full advantage of the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway system connecting with the Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet expressway, then turning at the Dai Ninh interchange to follow National Highway 28B to Lam Dong. This shift is expected to put immense pressure on road infrastructure, especially National Highway 20 and the vital mountain pass, during this summer.
