Lien Khuong Airport Temporarily Closed for Upgrades & Best Ways to Get to Da Lat in 2026

Lien Khuong Airport Temporarily Closed for Upgrades

If you are planning a trip to the dreamy city of Da Lat in 2026, there is a major travel update you need to know. Lien Khuong Airport (DLI)—the main gateway to Da Lat—will be temporarily closed for a significant upgrade project.

Don’t worry! Da Lat is still open and ready to welcome you.

Here is everything you need to know about the closure dates, reasons, and the best alternative ways to reach Da Lat, Lam Dong, Vietnam.

Details on Lien Khuong Airport Temporarily Closure

According to the latest announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the airport will suspend operations to upgrade the runway, taxiways, and technical infrastructure. This is a crucial step to modernize the airport for future international flights.

According to the plan, Lien Khuong airport will stop operating for 6 months, from March 4 to August 25, 2026, to upgrade runways, rolling stock and technical infrastructure systems.

• Closure Period: Estimated from March 4, 2026 to August 25th, 2026 (Estimated).

• Impact: No commercial flights (domestic or international) will land or take off from Da Lat during this period.

• Reason: Comprehensive repair and upgrade of the runway and technical systems.

Best Alternative Airports to Reach Da Lat

Since you cannot fly directly into Da Lat, the best option is to fly to a neighboring city and take a private car or bus transfer. Here are the top 3 alternatives:

Option 1: Fly to Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) – The Best Choice

Located in Nha Trang, this is the most popular alternative for travelers.

• Distance to Da Lat: ~135 km.

• Travel Time: 3 – 3.5 hours by car.

• The Experience: The route from Nha Trang to Da Lat takes you through the Khanh Le Pass, offering some of the most breathtaking mountain views in Vietnam. It connects the coastal beaches to the misty highlands.

Option 2: Fly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City

If you plan to explore the bustling metropolis of Saigon first, this is a great option.

• Distance to Da Lat: ~300 km.

• Travel Time: 6 – 7 hours via the highway.

• Transport: You can choose between a private car or a luxury sleeper bus (limousine bus).

Option 3: Fly to Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV)

Suitable for travelers exploring the Central Highlands loop.

• Distance to Da Lat: ~200 km.

• Travel Time: 3.5 – 4 hours.

General Information about Lien Khuong Airport

• Full Name: Lien Khuong International Airport

• IATA Code: DLI

• ICAO Code: VVDL

• Address: Highway 20, Lien Nghia Town, Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province.

• Distance to Da Lat City Center: Approximately 28km to the South.

• Time Zone: GMT+7

• Terminal: One main 2-story terminal designed in the shape of a Wild Sunflower (Dã Quỳ), with a total floor area of 12,400m², serving both domestic and international flights.

Overview: Originally constructed by the French in 1933 and upgraded by the Americans in 1956, Lien Khuong Airport currently operates approximately 42 flights per day. It serves as a vital gateway connecting Da Lat with major economic and tourism hubs, both domestically and internationally. The airport plays a crucial role in driving the tourism and economic development of the entire region.

Challenges for the high-spending customer segment

The suspension of direct flights, especially the Hanoi-Da Lat route, is expected to change destination preferences for certain market segments.

Furthermore, the current road infrastructure remains a major obstacle. Some mountain pass routes connecting Da Lat with neighboring provinces do not yet meet the requirements for high travel speeds, resulting in longer travel times. This can easily create apprehension for families with elderly people and young children coming from the North.

Product diversification through partnership pathways.

To adapt, travel businesses have quickly redesigned tourism products towards multi-point experiences. One of the optimal solutions is connecting by road with neighboring provinces. Tourists can choose to fly to Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang), visit the beach, and then travel by car to Da Lat to enjoy the highland atmosphere. Linked routes such as Ninh Thuan – Da Lat or Nha Trang – Da Lat allow customers to experience more types of scenery in a single trip.

For international markets such as Northeast Asia or Russia, tour operators still maintain itineraries via transit airports in Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, then connecting by road to Da Lat with a longer itinerary (approximately 6 days and 5 nights).

>> Maybe you want to see more: LAND TOUR DA LAT

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lien Khuong Airport (FAQs)

1. Is there free Wi-Fi at Lien Khuong Airport?

Yes, Lien Khuong Airport provides free Wi-Fi service for passengers throughout the terminal area. You simply need to connect to the network named “LienKhuongAirport” to start using it.

2. Can I find car rental services at the airport?

Yes, car rental services are available right outside the Arrival Terminal, making it convenient for passengers to travel to various locations in Da Lat.

or you can book services:

3. Does Lien Khuong Airport have a Business Lounge?

Yes, the airport features a Business Lounge reserved for passengers holding Business Class tickets or other VIP service memberships.

4. Is there parking available at the airport?

Yes, there is a parking area located directly outside the terminal. It is well-organized and has security surveillance to ensure safety.

5. Does Lien Khuong Airport offer currency exchange services?

No, currently, there are no currency exchange services available inside the terminal building. (Note for travelers: It is recommended to exchange money in major cities or at banks in Da Lat city center).

6. What are the operating hours of Lien Khuong Airport?

The airport operates 24/7. However, check-in counters and other services may have specific operating hours depending on flight schedules. Therefore, it is highly recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.

Transportation Services for Tour Groups (Dalat – Nha Trang)

We provide high-quality vehicle rental services for travel agencies needing reliable ground transportation:

• All vehicles are air-conditioned, GPS-equipped, and maintained regularly.
• Professional drivers with experience in handling international guests.
• Flexible pick-up/drop-off locations across Vietnam.

Specializing in tourist vehicle rentals for the Nha Trang – Da Lat route

We offer a diverse range of tourist vehicle rental services for the Da Lat – Nha Trang route to cater to various customer needs:

4-Seater Tourist Car Rental: Ideal for small families or couples, featuring models like Toyota Vios and Honda City.

7-Seater Tourist Car Rental: Perfect for groups of friends or families, including vehicles such as Suzuki, Kia Carnival, Ford, Toyota Fortuner and Innova.

16-Seater Tourist Car Rental: Suitable for medium-sized groups, with options like Ford Transit and Hyundai Solati.

29-Seater Tourist Bus Rental: The optimal choice for larger groups, ensuring spacious and comfortable travel.

35-Seater Tourist Bus Rental: Specifically designed for large tour groups or travel agencies, featuring models such as Isuzu Samco and Thaco.

45-Seater Tourist Bus Rental: Best suited for travel companies organizing large-scale tours, with premium options like Hyundai Universe for maximum comfort.

If you’re an international travel agency looking to expand your Vietnam offerings, Huong Tien Tourist is ready to be your trusted partner.

Huong Tien Tourist is a licensed and reputable Dalat Travel Agency based in Da Lat, Vietnam, specializing in inbound tourism and land tour services across the country. With years of experience in organizing high-quality tours for international travelers, we proudly offer seamless travel solutions for global tour operators seeking to expand their Vietnam offerings

We invite you to collaborate with us to deliver authentic, safe, and memorable Vietnam experiences to your clients.

📧 Email: httourist.dalat@gmail.com

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