Lien Khuong International Airport enters final countdown before reopening

Construction nears completion ahead of August 19 reopening

After more than five months of closure for runway and taxiway rehabilitation, the airport's major construction works have been substantially completed. Final acceptance inspections, specialized technical assessments and regulatory procedures are now being carried out under a tightly coordinated timetable.

The reopening is expected to restore one of Lam Dong's most important transportation gateways while providing fresh momentum for tourism, trade, cargo transportation and the provincial economy during the final months of 2026.

The runway and taxiway rehabilitation project carries a total investment of more than VND1.032 trillion, including over VND845 billion for construction, equipment supply and installation. Work began on March 4, 2026, with participation from a consortium specializing in airport infrastructure construction.

According to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the main runway, taxiway and drainage system have been largely completed. Runway pavement removal, foundation works, crushed stone base layers, concrete paving, shoulders, box culverts, retaining walls and runway end safety areas have all reached 100% completion.

Several remaining items are being completed at an accelerated pace. Stone drainage channels and groove cutting have reached around 95% completion, while runway and taxiway markings are approximately 80% complete. Installation of key aviation systems—including equipment foundations, power cables, fiber-optic networks, Instrument Landing System (ILS) antennas and airfield lighting—is also nearing completion, with taxiway edge lights and signage around 80% finished.

Tran Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of ACV, said construction teams are simultaneously completing the remaining works while carrying out acceptance inspections and mandatory regulatory procedures to ensure the airport can resume operations as scheduled.

According to the implementation schedule:

• August 1–5: Construction acceptance testing;
• August 5–10: Inspection by state construction authorities;
• August 10: Expected issuance of inspection results;
• August 10–17: Completion of operational licensing procedures with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

These procedures include the renewal of the airport operating certificate, approval for reopening the runway and taxiways, revision of operational manuals, and recertification of aviation technical facilities and navigation systems.

ACV emphasized that every remaining task must satisfy strict requirements on construction quality, aviation safety, security and technical standards before the airport is approved to resume commercial operations.

Building an aviation-driven growth ecosystem

Beyond restoring passenger services, Lam Dong is positioning Lien Khuong International Airport as a catalyst for tourism, exports and logistics.

According to Nghiem Dinh Hieu, Director of the Lam Dong Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center, the value of an air route extends far beyond passenger numbers. Well-connected aviation services can strengthen supply chains, expand export markets and improve business connectivity.

The province is working with Vietnam Airlines to introduce locally grown dragon fruit and cantaloupe on domestic and international flights. Four companies have already registered to supply a combined 1.5 tonnes of produce in two shipments scheduled for August 21 and 26.

The initiative is expected to serve as a pilot model for integrating Lam Dong's agricultural products into the aviation ecosystem, including in-flight catering, airport lounges, gift programs and airline promotional activities.

In the longer term, Lam Dong plans to develop air cargo services at Lien Khuong in connection with the Duc Trong Logistics Center, an inland container depot (ICD), and an integrated cold-chain system for sorting, packaging and quarantine.

Once these facilities are fully connected, the airport is expected to become a key gateway for transporting the province's high-value products, including flowers, vegetables and fresh fruit, to domestic and international markets.

Ho Van Muoi, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee said the reopening of Lien Khuong International Airport should mark the beginning of a new development phase rather than simply the resumption of flights.

He stressed that the airport's success should be measured not only by flight frequency or passenger numbers, but also by its ability to attract more visitors, expand markets and improve the circulation of goods.

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Our immediate priority is to fully restore and stabilize existing air routes. Over the longer term, Lam Dong aims to gradually expand its international route network based on market demand, operational efficiency and close cooperation among the provincial government, ACV, Lien Khuong International Airport, airlines and the business community

Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee Ho Van Muoi

The provincial chairman also directed relevant departments and agencies to complete tourism services, promotional packages, cargo preparations and communications before the airport reopens. Each cooperation program, he said, must define clear responsibilities, deliverables and timelines to ensure that new air routes are supported by sustainable passenger demand, cargo sources and long-term business plans.

The reopening of Lien Khuong International Airport, following more than five months of runway and taxiway rehabilitation, will restore one of Lam Dong's most important transport gateways.

Provincial leaders expect the upgraded airport to play a broader role than simply reconnecting air services — serving as a strategic platform to strengthen tourism, trade, logistics and investment while creating new momentum for Lam Dong's economic growth in the years ahead.