UPDATE — August 19, 2026: Lien Khuong International Airport serving Da Lat has officially resumed operations today after more than five months of closure for runway and taxiway upgrades.
The reopening restores direct air access to Da Lat and brings back several domestic connections, making travel to the Central Highlands much easier again.
What Happened to Lien Khuong Airport?
Lien Khuong Airport was temporarily closed for major runway and taxiway rehabilitation work. The closure began in March 2026 and lasted for more than five months.
The airport has now completed the upgrade work and is returning to normal commercial operations.
Key details:
- Reopening: August 19, 2026
- Airport: Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI)
- Serves: Da Lat and Lam Dong
- Closure: More than five months
- Expected traffic: Around 36–40 flights per day
Direct Flights to Da Lat Are Returning
The reopening restores direct flights between Da Lat and several major Vietnamese cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Vinh and Can Tho.
For travelers, this means that reaching Da Lat by air is once again much simpler than during the airport closure, when many visitors had to fly to Cam Ranh and continue by road.
New Can Tho–Da Lat Connection Returns
One of the most interesting routes returning with the airport reopening is the direct Can Tho–Da Lat flight.
Vietnam Airlines Group is restoring the route from August 19, 2026, after almost six years without a direct connection between the Mekong Delta and Da Lat. The service is operated by VASCO using ATR 72 aircraft.
The route initially operates daily. From September through October, the planned schedule is five round trips per week, operating on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This gives travelers an easier way to combine Can Tho and the Mekong Delta with Da Lat without having to travel through Ho Chi Minh City first.
Why the Reopening Matters for Travelers
Da Lat is one of Vietnam’s most popular mountain destinations, known for its cooler climate, pine forests, waterfalls, flower gardens, cafés and surrounding countryside.
During the airport closure, travelers coming from other parts of Vietnam often had to use Cam Ranh Airport and continue to Da Lat by road.
With Lien Khuong operating again, visitors can once again fly much closer to the city and save several hours of overland travel.
What About International Flights?
The reopening also creates opportunities for international connections to return.
AirAsia is expected to resume its Kuala Lumpur–Da Lat service from September 2026, while Lam Dong authorities are also working to develop additional international connections.
International schedules can change, so travelers should check the latest airline information before booking.
What Travelers Should Know
If you are flying to Da Lat around the reopening period, it is worth checking your flight status before leaving for the airport.
Several airlines are restoring routes at the same time, and schedules can change during the initial reopening period.
If you are planning a trip to Da Lat, the airport reopening means you no longer need to automatically plan around Cam Ranh Airport. Compare both options based on your flight availability, price and final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Lien Khuong Airport reopen?
Lien Khuong International Airport officially resumed commercial operations on August 19, 2026, after more than five months of closure for infrastructure upgrades.
Which city does Lien Khuong Airport serve?
Lien Khuong Airport is the main airport serving Da Lat and Lam Dong in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
Can I fly directly to Da Lat again?
Yes. Direct domestic flights to Da Lat are returning from several major Vietnamese cities following the airport’s reopening.
Which airlines fly to Da Lat?
Multiple Vietnamese airlines are restoring services to Lien Khuong, including Vietnam Airlines Group and Vietjet. The exact routes and schedules depend on the airline and travel date.
Can I fly directly from Can Tho to Da Lat?
Yes. The direct Can Tho–Da Lat route resumes on August 19, 2026 after almost six years without regular direct service.
Is Cam Ranh still an option for getting to Da Lat?
Yes. Cam Ranh remains an alternative gateway for travelers heading to Da Lat, particularly when flight schedules or prices are more convenient. However, Lien Khuong is the airport directly serving the Da Lat area.
How many flights will Lien Khuong Airport handle?
The airport is expected to handle approximately 36–40 flights per day once the restored network is operating normally.
Bottom Line
The reopening of Lien Khuong Airport is good news for anyone planning a trip to Da Lat.
After more than five months without normal air service, travelers can once again fly directly into the area from major Vietnamese cities. The restored Can Tho–Da Lat connection is particularly useful for combining the Mekong Delta with the Central Highlands.
If Da Lat is on your itinerary, it is now worth checking Lien Khuong flights first rather than automatically planning to arrive through Cam Ranh.
Related Vietnam With Me Guides
Sources
- VOV — Can Tho–Da Lat air route to resume after nearly six years
- VietnamNet — Lien Khuong Airport reopening to fuel Lam Dong tourism
- VnExpress — Lien Khuong Airport reopening to fuel Da Lat tourism
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