Lien Khuong International Airport (Lien Khuong International Airport, DLI), the only airport in Da Lat (Da Lat), the popular highland retreat in central Vietnam, has been closed for about six months, from March 4 to August 28, 2026, for a full overhaul of the runway and taxiways. For Japanese travelers planning to visit Da Lat, understanding alternative access is essential.
The reason for the closure and the scope of the renovation
A large-scale investment of 966 billion VND (about 36 million dollars)
The total investment in the renovation project is 966 billion VND (about 36 million dollars). The main works are as follows.
- New runway: Construction of a new 3,250 m runway (enabling it to accept larger aircraft than before)
- A full overhaul of the taxiways: Rebuilding the existing taxiways and drainage system
- Updating the aviation equipment infrastructure: Newly installing infrastructure such as ILS (instrument landing system)
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), this renovation will enable Lien Khuong Airport to operate wide-body aircraft of the B787 and A350 class, bringing direct international service into view. An estimated 1 million travelers are affected during the closure period.
Alternative access: air and land options
While air access to Da Lat is unavailable, the most practical alternative is a combination of "a nearby airport plus land travel."
Alternative route comparison table
| Route | Nearest airport | Distance to Da Lat | Land travel time | Recommendation level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Cam Ranh | Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) | About 160 km | 3 to 4 hours | ★★★ (many flights) |
| Via Buon Ma Thuot | Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV) | About 200 km | 4 to 5 hours | ★★ (if coming from the north) |
| Direct land route from Ho Chi Minh City | Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) | About 300 km | 6 to 7 hours | ★★ (bus or chartered car) |
| New National Highway 28B route | Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) | About 280 km | About 4.5 hours | ★★★ (if open) |
Route 1: Via Cam Ranh Airport (most recommended)
Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang) is the major airport nearest to Da Lat, with more than 15 flights a day from Hanoi and many from Ho Chi Minh City too. From Japan, connecting to a Cam Ranh domestic flight via Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi is the most efficient option.The Hanoi-Shizuoka flight Vietjet launches on April 28If you use this, you can connect to a domestic flight in Hanoi and take the Cam Ranh-to-Da Lat route.
From Cam Ranh Airport to Da Lat, long-distance buses (Phuong Trang/FUTA Bus and others) run several times a day. The fare is 150,000 to 200,000 VND (about 900 to 1,200 yen). For a taxi or Grab car, a guideline is 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 VND (about 9,000 to 12,000 yen).
Route 2: Direct land route from Ho Chi Minh City
Many long-distance buses to Da Lat depart daily from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Dong Bus Terminal (Ben Xe Mien Dong). It takes about 6 to 7 hours via National Highway 20. On an overnight bus (sleeping bus), you can arrive in Da Lat the next morning and use your time efficiently. If National Highway 28B fully opens, the travel time is expected to be shortened to about 4.5 hours.
What to know for a Da Lat trip during the closure
The impact on sightseeing is limited
Tourist spots, cafes, and markets in Da Lat are operating as usual. Lam Dong Province's tourism authorities plan to keep promoting Da Lat's appeal during the airport closure, and special promotions for travelers arriving by land are also being considered. If anything, with air access restricted, tourist numbers may temporarily decline, offering a chance to enjoy the usually crowded Xuan Huong Market and Bao Dai Palace at leisure.
Practical advice for Japanese travelers
- Booking notes: Searching for "DLI (Da Lat)" on flight booking sites won't show any flights. Search for CXR (Cam Ranh)
- Calculating travel time: Factor the 3-to-4-hour land trip from Cam Ranh to Da Lat into your itinerary.Vietnam's mountain roads also require attention to safety, and road conditions can worsen in the rainy season (from May)
- Accommodation transfers: Many hotels in Da Lat offer a transfer service from Cam Ranh Airport (advance booking required, paid)
- Combining with Nha Trang: Cam Ranh Airport is also the nearest airport for Nha Trang. Building a two-city tour of Da Lat plus Nha Trang lets you enjoy both the cool of the highlands and a beach resort
What to expect from Lien Khuong Airport after the renovation
The possibility of direct international flights
With the expansion to a 3,250 m runway, mid-size wide-body aircraft such as the B787-9 and A350 will be able to take off and land. This brings international charter and scheduled flights from South Korea, Japan, and countries across Southeast Asia into the realm of reality.With Vietnam Airlines launching a direct flight to Londonand other moves, the expansion of Vietnam's aviation network is remarkable, and Da Lat is likely to benefit as well.
Long-term growth of Da Lat tourism
Da Lat is a highland city where French colonial-era architecture remains, and its comfortable climate, with an annual average temperature of 18 to 25°C, makes it a popular retreat for Vietnamese and foreigners alike.The Pullman opening in Ninh BinhAs symbolized by this, the entry of international-brand hotels is accelerating across Vietnam, and a renovated Lien Khuong Airport will be an important piece in strengthening Da Lat's tourism infrastructure.
After the airport reopens on August 28, 2026, you'll be able to reach Da Lat by more comfortable and safe flights. Visiting Da Lat by land during the closure is also a valuable chance to enjoy scenery of Vietnam different from usual.
