Kontum Airport

Kontum Airport: The Door to Vietnam's Central Highlands

Introduction

Located in the heart of Vietnam's Central Highlands, Kontum Airport (KON) acts as a primary transportation center for residents. This tiny yet crucial airport is one of the only gateways to Kon Tum province and its vast expanse of breathtaking natural landscapes, interspersed with spiritual centers that define some special aspects of Vietnamese cultural heritage. Ideal for those on a journey and with another option available, the experience of coming here is swift.

Airlines and Destinations

Today, Kontum Airport operates only a few domestic routes, mainly connecting the city of Kon Tum to important hubs such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier of Vietnam, is the dominant airline in this airport with daily flights to these major cities.

Passengers and Flight Numbers

Over the last few years, passenger numbers at Kon Tum airport in particular have been starting to rise more steadily as tourist interest grows due to the developing attractiveness of the Central Highlands. Up to 210,000 passengers passed through the airport during 2019, with this number set to increase further in the years ahead as infrastructure and connectivity within the region grow.

How to Get Here

Getting to Kontum Airport is quite easy. The airport is about 7 km from Kon Tum city center, and you can get to the town by taxi, private car/transfer, or local bus. Those coming from different areas of Vietnam can use the nearest major airport at Pleiku Airport, about 70 km away.

Parking

At the Kontum Airport, visitors have access to short-term and long-term parking facilities. The short-term parking lot lies right outside the terminal building, and tariffs begin at 10 minutes for a certain amount, all of which are on variable rates - 88 SEK to park there. The long-term choice is positioned farther away but includes free buses going back-and-forth between it and another place while traveling through town. The parking prices are very fair, and you will pay somewhere around $13 per day for the long-term lot (24 hours) or $17 per hour in the case of short-term official spots.

Transportation Prices

Your transportation cost is different due to the type of transfer from/to Kontum airport. If you are in the city, a taxi costs $5 to $10 one way, and if you prefer local buses, they charge only an additional $1.00 per person. If you prefer a more custom and easy option, they offer pre-arranged private transfers for only 20% extra.

Terminal Layout

There is only one terminal holding both domestic and international passenger flights at Kontum Airport. Its layout is central with clear signage to help passengers move through the terminal and makes getting from point A to B a painless, easy experience. This main terminal building is where you will find all the check-in counters, security checks, and baggage claim facilities.

Navigating the Airport

Kontum Airport guide: After disembarking, passengers will notice the clear signs pointing in different directions leading to the check-in area and departures and arrivals sections of the terminal. The airport is small enough that it is easily navigated from one section to another, with helpful staff always available if you get lost on the way.

Getting Between Terminals

Kontum Airport only has one terminal building, so there is no concern about transferring between different terminals. With all flights, both domestic and international, flying out of and into the same place, ease is had on travels.

Services and Amenities

Kontum Airport may be small in size, but it still offers a range of services and amenities to ensure the travelers are comfortable. The offerings are fairly standard, limited to some basic food and beverage spots and a few retail shops. Guests can also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and there are specified relaxation areas.

Restaurants and Shops

Kontum Airport has limited but offers some local food and shopping. The airport has various casual dining choices where visitors can enjoy some traditional Vietnamese dishes, as well as a selection of international ones. However, souvenir shops are present to cater to tourists on their way out and offer a variety of gifts, locally made or otherwise, as well as essential travel items.

Security and Customs

Security checks and customs procedures are also available at Kontum Airport, like all other airport types, to ensure the safety of passengers participating in every flight. Additional time for passengers to clear these checkpoints is necessary, and the procedure can be slow during peak periods of travel, so travelers should arrive at the airport with ample time. All the airport facilities are fitted with trained staff to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for everyone.

Accessibility

Kontum Airport will strive to deliver a traveler-centric, accessible, friendly, and comfortable journey for all categories of passengers, including those with any disabilities or reduced mobility. The terminal is equipped with reserved parking facilities, ramps, and elevators to ensure that the movement of passengers would be unhampered at the airport, along with trained facilitation staff to assist the passengers who require special assistance.

Travel Tips

There are a few important things to remember when planning your trip through Kontum Airport. You need to arrive at the Airport much earlier, as it requires a quite long process of security check and customs. Charge your essential electronics, and warm clothes or blankets can be required for the cold nights on those empty beaches nearby. Keep in mind that as a remote airport, flights may get delayed occasionally because of weather. Lastly, make the most of the surroundings by discovering Kon Tum's local culture and attractions, as it offers lots to see and do, giving tourists a rich experience.