Da Nang International Airport: A Gateway To Central Vietnam

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is one of the three biggest airports in Vietnam, serving as a vital gateway for both domestic and international travellers. Located in Hai Chau, a county of Da Nang, the airport is approximately 5 kilometres from the city centre. In recent years, it has become one of the most modern and dynamic airports in the region, offering a range of amenities and services to ensure a seamless travel experience for its passengers. With two terminals, one for domestic and the other for international flights, Da Nang International Airport is well-equipped to handle a large volume of travellers each year, making it a significant transportation hub in central Vietnam.

Location and transport options

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is located in Hai Chau, a county of Da Nang, about 2-5 km away from the city centre. The airport is one of the three busiest airports in Vietnam, serving as a major hub for domestic and international flights.

The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. Both terminals offer modern facilities and a wide range of services. Terminal 1 covers an area of 36,600 square metres and has an annual capacity of 4-6 million passengers, while Terminal 2 spans 48,000 square metres and can accommodate 6 million passengers per year.

Transport Options:

There are several transport options available to get to and from Da Nang International Airport:

• Taxi: A convenient option, especially for larger groups or families with children or elderly members. The taxi fare from the airport to the city centre is approximately VND 80,000-120,000. Reputable companies operating at the airport include Mai Linh, VinaSun, Han River Taxi, Tien Sa, XANH SM, Hai Van, Datranco, and Danang Taxi.
• Public Bus: The airport is served by eight different bus routes connecting it to the city centre. The bus fare is around VND 10,000 per trip.
• Shuttle Bus: Some travel agencies and hotels provide private shuttle services to and from the airport.
• Motorbike Rental: Motorbikes can be rented for those who prefer more flexibility in their transportation.

Additionally, technology taxi services such as Grab, GoJek, and SM Green Taxi can be accessed via the free Wi-Fi available at the terminal.

Terminals and facilities

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is located 2 km from the city centre. It is the third busiest airport in Vietnam and an important transportation hub in the central region of the country. The airport has two separate terminals for international and domestic passengers.

The new terminal building opened in 2011, offering modern facilities and a wide range of services, including shopping and dining venues. The terminal includes five boarding gates, baggage handling systems, departure and arrivals areas, a flight information display system, common user terminal equipment, fire detection systems, and comprehensive public address and security systems, including screening equipment.

One of the airport's two runways was extended from 3,048 metres (10,000 ft) to 3,500 metres (11,483 ft). The airport now has a total capacity of six million passengers per year and can handle large, modern aircraft such as Boeing 747s, 767s, and Airbus A320s.

Da Nang International Terminal received a 5-star certificate in the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards, becoming the first and only terminal in Vietnam to achieve this prestigious accreditation. The terminal offers a range of passenger services, including a business class lounge, self-check-in kiosks, an automatic entry system, and nursing pods. Travellers can also enjoy various dining options at the restaurants and cafes available.

History

Da Nang International Airport (IATA: DAD, ICAO: VVDN) is located in Central Vietnam, 2km from the centre of the city of Da Nang. The airport is the third busiest in Vietnam, serving 5 million passengers in 2014, 6,722,587 in 2015, and 11 million in 2017.

The history of the airport dates back to the 1940s when the French colonial government built Tourane Airport as a civilian airport. During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force used the airport as a military air base during its occupation of French Indochina. After the war, the French Air Force utilised the airport during the French Indochina War (1945-1954), laying a NATO-standard 7,800-foot (2,400-metre) asphalt runway.

In 1954, after the Geneva Peace Accords, the airport was turned over to civilian use, with the South Vietnamese using other facilities at Bien Hoa, Nha Trang, and Tan Son Nhut, near Saigon. However, in 1957, the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (VNAF) re-established a presence at the renamed Da Nang Airport, stationing the 1st Liaison Squadron with Cessna L-19s. During this time, the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) also used the airport as a ranger training facility.

Air Vietnam operated civilian domestic and international flights within Southeast Asia from the airport between 1951 and 1975. During the Vietnam War (1959-1975), the facility was expanded significantly and known as Da Nang Air Base, serving as a major United States military base. The facility was expanded to 2,350 acres (950 hectares) with two asphalt runways, parallel taxiways, and a heliport. Various divisions of the VNAF and USAF operated from the base during the war.

In more recent years, the airport has undergone further expansion and modernisation. A new terminal building opened in 2011, offering modern facilities and various services. In 2017, a new international terminal, Terminal 2, was put into use, with a capacity of 6 million passengers per year. In 2024, the airport was ranked 94th in the list of the World's Top 100 Airports by Skytrax and was the first and only terminal in Vietnam to receive a 5-star Skytrax rating.

Airlines and destinations

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the third-largest airport in Vietnam. It is located 2 km from the city centre and is the third busiest airport in the country. The airport has two separate terminals for international and domestic passengers, with a total passenger capacity of 11 million per annum as of 2018.

There are 27 airlines operating from Da Nang to 75 airports around the world. These include:

• Air Busan
• Air Macau
• Air Seoul
• AirAsia
• Asiana Airlines
• Bamboo Airways
• Batik Air Malaysia
• Cambodia Angkor Air
• Cebu Pacific Air
• China Airlines
• Eastar Jet
• EVA Air
• Florida West International Airways
• HK Express
• Jeju Air
• Jin Air
• Korean Air
• Lao Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Starlux Airlines
• Thai AirAsia
• Thai Vietjet Air
• Tigerair Taiwan
• T'Way Air
• VECA
• VietJet Air
• Vietnam Airlines

The top international destinations from Da Nang are Seoul and Busan. The longest flight is between Da Nang and Tokyo, taking around 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Hotels and accommodation

Da Nang has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxury resorts. Here is a list of some popular choices:

Budget Hotels:

• Halina Hotel and Apartment: Beachfront property with an outdoor pool, sauna, and fitness centre.
• Elites Hotel: Located a 6-minute walk from My Khe Beach, it offers an outdoor pool, free private parking, a fitness centre, and a shared lounge.
• Mama Hotel and Apartment: Beachfront accommodation with a fitness centre, private beach area, and a shared lounge.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Everland Hotel: Features free bikes, an outdoor pool, free private parking, and a shared lounge. It is a 12-minute walk from My Khe Beach.
• Gio Bien 2 Hotel by THG: Located just a 3-minute walk from My Khe Beach, it offers a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace.
• Q Hotel & Apartment Da Nang: Centrally located in the Da Nang City Centre, it offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts:

• Pullman Danang Beach Resort: Oceanfront hotel with a private beach, infinity pool, and guest services. It offers cottages and penthouses with stunning views.
• Furama Resort Danang: Beachfront resort with a private beach, spacious rooms, two large pools, and a seafood buffet.
• HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa: Beachfront hotel with luxurious rooms, infinity pool, complimentary high tea, and excellent food.
• Muong Thanh Grand Da Nang Hotel: Located near the Dragon Bridge, it offers spacious, clean rooms with free wifi and spectacular views.

Frequently asked questions