Da Lat’s first international flight after airport reopening fuels tourism and regional links

The landing of AirAsia Flight AK571 at Lien Khuong International Airport signalled the first arrival of international passengers in Da Lat since the airport’s recent reopening, offering a hopeful sign for the city’s tourism sector.

AirAsia Flight AK571 arrived at 10:58 a.m. on 2 September 2026, and Flight AK572 departed at 11:40 a.m. the same day, restarting scheduled service between Da Lat and Kuala Lumpur.

Lien Khuong International Airport had been closed for almost six months for rehabilitation and officially resumed operations at midnight on 19 August 2026, ending a long pause in both domestic and international flights.

The runway and taxiway rehabilitation, which began on 4 March 2026, cost more than VND1.03 trillion (US$39.24 million). The work upgraded the 3,250‑meter runway, its lighting, drainage and safety areas, preparing the airport for larger aircraft.

After the upgrades, the airport can handle Code C and D aircraft such as the B737, B757, A320, A321, A300 and ATR72 at their maximum loads, expanding the range of airlines that can operate there.

In the first phase, the Da Lat–Kuala Lumpur route will run four flights a week, while a Da Lat–Singapore service is planned for December with three weekly flights. The airport expects 36‑40 flights and about 6,800 passengers each day, reaching roughly 816,000 passengers in the last four months of 2026.

These new international connections are expected to give fresh momentum to Lam Dong’s tourism, attract more visitors from regional hubs, and strengthen Da Lat’s role as a gateway to Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

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