Airlines roll out support measures as Vietnam’s Lien Khuong airport closes for 6-month upgrade

The airport started to shut down on Wednesday for about six months to undergo major repairs and upgrades.

Due to the closure until August 25, all Vietjet Air flights from and to Da Lat in Lam Dong Province would be suspended, the carrier said.

Vietjet Air said it had proactively notified passengers whose flights are impacted by the suspension.

Travelers who previously booked tickets to or from Da Lat during the closure window may opt to switch to equivalent routes serving nearby destinations such as Cam Ranh in Khanh Hoa Province or Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak Province.

In addition, passengers may choose to retain the value of their tickets for future travel or access other forms of support in line with the airline’s current service policies.

The carrier has advised customers to check flight information via its official website and mobile app under the ‘My Flight’ section.

Passengers may also contact official customer service channels, ticket offices, or their original booking agents for assistance with ticket changes, refunds, or itinerary adjustments.

The airline described the operational changes resulting from the airport closure as a force majeure situation, an unavoidable circumstance within the aviation industry.

Vietjet said it would provide updates on the resumption of Da Lat services once the airport reopens.

Meanwhile, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has also suspended all flights to and from Lien Khuong International Airport and adjusted its network to maintain regional connectivity.

Passengers holding tickets for travel to or from Lam Dong via the airport between March 4 and August 25 are entitled to one free change of travel date or itinerary.

They may also request a full refund of their tickets and any ancillary services purchased without incurring fees.

This policy is valid through August 31.

To meet travel demand in the Central Highlands during the airport’s closure, Vietnam Airlines has increased frequencies on key domestic routes, including Ho Chi Minh City-Buon Ma Thuot, Ho Chi Minh City-Pleiku, and Da Nang-Buon Ma Thuot.

The additional services are intended to facilitate travel to Lam Dong by car or long-haul bus while Lien Khuong undergoes infrastructure upgrades.

Flight sales suspended

A review of the websites of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways showed that flights between Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and Da Lat are no longer available for booking during the closure period.

In addition to Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, Lien Khuong International Airport had previously served carriers such as Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines.

However, both airlines have recently restructured operations and reduced fleet capacity, leading to the suspension of services to the airport.

Before halting operations, Lien Khuong also handled regular and charter international flights.

South Korean carriers including Jeju Air and Korean Air operated routes connecting Da Lat with South Korea, while AirAsia flew between Da Lat and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.