On the morning of June 23rd, the Ministry of Transport, in coordination with the People's Committee of Lam Dong province, held a ceremony to announce the conversion of Lien Khuong Airport (Lien Nghia town, Duc Trong district) into an international airport. This is the first international airport in the Central Highlands region.

The event was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan; Mr. Nguyen Thai Hoc, Acting Secretary of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee, leaders of the Provincial People's Committee and departments.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang attends the ceremony announcing the decision to transform Lien Khuong Airport ( Lam Dong province) into an international airport - Photo: VGP/Hai Minh

According to Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Transport, the upgrading of Lien Khuong Airport to an international airport is the result of efforts by Lam Dong province and the entire aviation industry.

However, in order for Lien Khuong International Airport to operate effectively and connect major economic centers, the Ministry of Transport proposes that relevant units and the People's Committee of the province continue to take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry and Vietnam Airlines Corporation to implement investment and upgrade Lien Khuong International Airport, increasing its efficiency and developing the airport according to the approved plan.

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Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Transport, presents the decision to representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and representatives of Lien Khuong International Airport. Photo: NX

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phuc, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, said that Lien Khuong International Airport holds an important position not only for the locality but also for the Central Highlands provinces.

According to Mr. Phuc, Lam Dong province expects that direct flights to many countries will facilitate the development of international tourism and the fastest and most efficient international cargo transportation.

Furthermore, the development of Lien Khuong as an international airport will enhance regional connectivity and exploit the potential advantages of Lam Dong province and the entire Central Highlands region. In addition, Lam Dong province requests that the Corporation consider investing in upgrading the airport from level 4D to 4E according to approved regulations.

Lien Khuong Airport is a 4D airport according to the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The airport has a runway 3,250m long and 45m wide, capable of handling Code D aircraft such as Boeing B757, Airbus A300 and smaller aircraft.

According to the Lien Khuong Airport master plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, approved by the Ministry of Transport in May 2024, Lien Khuong Airport is an international airport, serving both civilian and military purposes.

During the period 2021-2030, Lien Khuong Airport will be classified as a 4E airport and a Level 2 military airport, with a capacity of 5 million passengers per year and 20,000 tons of cargo per year. It will handle Code C aircraft such as Airbus A320, A321 and Code E aircraft such as Boeing B747, B787, Airbus A350, as well as other equivalent aircraft.

By 2050, Lien Khuong Airport aims to increase its operating capacity to 7 million passengers and 30,000 tons of cargo per year. By 2050, the first international airport in the Central Highlands region will extend its runway by 350m to a total length of 3,600m and a width of 45m.