Lien Khuong Airport Closure: Runway Repairs & International Upgrade 2026

A significant disruption is on the horizon for air travel in Vietnam’s Lam Dong province. The Ministry of Construction has announced the temporary closure of Lien Khuong International Airport from 12:00 AM on March 4, 2026, until 11:59 PM on August 25, 2026, local time. This closure is to facilitate essential maintenance work on the airport’s runway and taxiways.

Runway Repairs and Regional Impact

The decision to close Lien Khuong International Airport was formalized following approvals from the Vietnam Airports Corporation (JSC) on July 8, 2025, and November 3, 2025, for the runway and taxiway renovation project. These approvals covered both the initial design and subsequent construction plans. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is responsible for disseminating information about the closure through established aviation information systems.

Did You Know? Lien Khuong Airport was elevated to international status on June 23, 2024, becoming the first international airport in the Central Highlands region.

Future Expansion Plans

This temporary closure occurs as Lien Khuong International Airport undergoes a broader modernization plan. Approved by the Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) on May 17, 2024, the 2021-2030 master plan envisions the airport reaching a 4E classification – currently Vietnam’s highest airport standard. Upon completion of expansion projects, the airport is projected to handle 5 million passengers and 20,000 tons of cargo annually.

Long-term plans, extending to 2050, aim to increase capacity to 7 million passengers and 30,000 tons of cargo per year. The current plan involves maintaining the existing T1 terminal, capable of handling 2 million passengers annually, while constructing a new T2 terminal with a capacity of approximately 3 million passengers. Further expansion of T2 is planned for 2050 to reach the 7 million passenger target.

Expert Insight: Infrastructure projects like this, while disruptive in the short term, are crucial for long-term economic development and regional connectivity. The planned expansion demonstrates a commitment to increasing accessibility and supporting future growth in the Lam Dong province and the wider Central Highlands region.

What Happens Next?

Following the runway and taxiway repairs, the airport could potentially reopen on schedule, August 26, 2026, assuming no unforeseen delays. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam will likely coordinate closely with airlines to minimize disruption during the closure period. Airlines may choose to reroute flights to nearby airports, potentially increasing traffic at those locations. The successful completion of the renovation could pave the way for the next phase of the airport’s expansion, including the construction of the T2 terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the airport closure?

Lien Khuong International Airport will be temporarily closed from 12:00 AM on March 4, 2026, to 11:59 PM on August 25, 2026, local time.

What is the current capacity of Lien Khuong Airport?

Currently, Lien Khuong Airport is a 4E-rated airport, and the master plan anticipates a capacity of 5 million passengers and 20,000 tons of cargo annually after expansion.

What are the long-term expansion goals for the airport?

The vision for 2050 is to expand the airport’s capacity to 7 million passengers and 30,000 tons of cargo annually, with plans for a new T2 terminal and potential future expansions.

As Lien Khuong International Airport prepares for this period of renovation and expansion, how might these changes impact tourism and economic development in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam?