Lien Khuong Airport - Your Link to the Beautiful Vietnamese Mountain City of Da Lat
Introduction
Right in the heart of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, you will find Lien Khuong Airport (IATA: DLI; ICAO: VVDL), which also manages regular flights to and from Da Lat. A midsized airport about 30 km south of Da Lat, it recently received a massive reconstruction to accommodate larger aircraft and is an important transportation center for the area.
Airlines and Destinations
Lien Khuong Airport serves domestic and international flights, linking Da Lat to cities in Vietnam as well as other countries. As of October 2013, passenger flights arrive and depart from only about six cities with few non-stop flights from here. Currently, there are 5 domestic routes that fly from Da Lat with such airlines as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways.
Passengers and Flights
During 2014, the airport handled a total of 1,690 thousand passengers, making it one of Vietnam's growing airports. Flight operations at the airport are quite bustling, as it operates from 5:30 am to 9 pm every day, with the duration between the first and last trip ranging over nearly one hour (45 minutes). The ticket prices for the airport shuttle bus route range around VND40,000-VND50,000 per way.
How to Get Here
From the city center of Da Lat, you can easily reach Lien Khuong Airport. There are several options for transportation, including an airport shuttle (40,000 VND/trip/way) that operates continuously from 6 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, there are taxis that will take about 30-45 minutes and cost between 250,000 and 300,000 VND.
Parking
The Lien Khuong airport has an apron of 23,100 m2 capable of serving five aircraft simultaneously. Parking spaces at the airport have been developed for both private transport and commercial vehicles.
Transportation Prices
Airport shuttle bus: Ticket prices generally range from 40,000 to 50,000 VND per trip. Taxis are available (for VND 250,000 to VND 300,000 for an airport-city center transfer), but they are more recommended if you travel with a group or have bulky luggage.
Terminal Layout
The terminal at Lien Khuong Airport is designed to offer a seamless and time-efficient passenger journey. The ground floor is for arrivals, with WC and catering points, while the first floor has check-in counters, security checkpoints, lounges/waiting rooms, and a platform snack bar that sells various branded snacks and WC facilities. The terminal is capable of handling nearly 800 passengers per hour.
Navigate the Airport
Getting around Lien Khuong Airport is easy, as the terminal has good signage and user-friendly facilities. The small size and layout mean a smooth sailing for both arrivals and departures.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Lien Khuong Airport features only a single terminal, there is no need to travel between terminals. Passengers enjoy easy access to all required facilities and services in the same building.
Services and Amenities
This airport provides passengers with the facilities and services that can ease their experience here, including check-in counters, security checkpoints, waiting lounges, restrooms, and dining options. The airport is equipped with a modern infrastructure for wider aircraft, regular and irregular national flights.
Restaurants and Shops
Lien Khuong Airport has a small choice of restaurants and shops for passengers needing to top up on refreshments or last-minute souvenirs. These include snack bars and a mini pop-up shop offering reasonable prices for essential items like bottled water.
Security and Customs
Lien Khuong Airport has designated floors for check-in, security checks, and customs, resulting in a quick and efficient flow of passengers departing or arriving through the terminal.
Accessibility
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) classifies Lien Khuong Airport as a 4D airport due to a runway of 3,250 meters in length and an amplitude width of 45 meters. This infrastructure enables the airport to handle code D type aircraft like the B757 and A300 from Airbus, and similar or smaller aircraft. The airport is slated to be reclassified as a 4E by the end of this decade, granting it even higher operational capabilities.
Travel Tips
- Use the airport shuttle, which costs a fraction of what they charge at EU airports for transport to the city center.
- Get to the airport with plenty of time to go through security and customs.
- Pack light to make airport travel easier.
Discover the beauty of Da Lat, visit other nearby attractions and natural wonders that make Dalat a favorite destination in Vietnam.