The scheduled reopening date of one of the main air gateways to the Central Highlands is 25 October. Nguyen Trong Hai says the VND950 billion upgrade will expand the runway and aprons so they can accommodate larger Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft and Boeing 737s.
The project will also see lighting improved and refurbishment of the passenger terminal. The director added that the national Transport Ministry had sanctioned the closure and that it was necessary to complete the improvement project which began last September.
National carrier Vietnam Airlines is the sole airline currently flying to Pleiku. It has daily flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang. When Pleiku reopens, low-cost-carriers VietJet Air and Jetstar Pacific have both stated they will add it to their timetables.
A Vietnam Airlines’ spokesperson says passengers scheduled on flights in or out of Pleiku during the shutdown will be provided with transfer services to Buon Ma Thuot Airport. The trip is not a short one however as it is around 200kms by road and takes around three hours.
Central Vietnam airport shuts for revamp
News in Asia
A senior director at Vietnam’s Pleiku Airport has announced the facility will close down this weekend to enable a major revamp to take place. Nguyen Trong Hai told reporters that all flights to and from the airport will be cancelled for seven months with effect from 15 March 1015.