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

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan, Acting Secretary of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Thai Hoc, and other provincial leaders and department heads.

Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan highlighted that the transition of Lien Khuong Airport to international status is a result of the combined efforts of Lam Dong province and the entire aviation industry.

He emphasized the need for continued investment and upgrades to ensure the airport’s effective operation and its ability to connect with major economic centers. This includes collaboration between relevant units, the Provincial People's Committee, and the Vietnam Airlines Corporation.

Nguyen Ngoc Phuc, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, remarked on the significant role of Lien Khuong International Airport for both the locality and the Central Highlands provinces.

He noted that direct flights to various countries would facilitate international tourism development and expedite international freight transport. Additionally, the airport’s international status is expected to enhance regional connectivity and leverage the potential advantages for Lam Dong and the Central Highlands.

Phuc also requested that the Vietnam Airlines Corporation invest in upgrading the airport from level 4D to 4E, as per approved regulations.

Lien Khuong Airport is classified as a 4D airport by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It features a 3,250-meter long and 45-meter wide runway, capable of handling code D aircraft such as the Boeing B757 and Airbus A300, along with equivalent or smaller aircraft.

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

By 2030, Lien Khuong Airport is projected to be a 4E airport and a level 2 military airport, with a capacity of 5 million passengers and 20,000 tons of cargo per year. It will be able to accommodate code C aircraft like the Airbus A320, A321, and code E aircraft such as the Boeing B747, B787, and Airbus A350.

By 2050, the airport’s capacity is expected to increase to 7 million passengers and 30,000 tons of cargo per year. The runway will be extended by 350 meters, making it 3,600 meters long and 45 meters wide.

Xuan Ngoc