Da Nang Airport: How Big Is It Really?

Da Nang International Airport is one of the three biggest airports in Vietnam, serving the region's largest city, Da Nang, and the surrounding area of Central Vietnam. The airport is located in Hai Chau, a county of Da Nang, about 5 kilometres away from the city centre. During the Vietnam War, the facility was known as Da Nang Air Base and was a major United States military base. Today, the airport serves as a major transportation hub for both domestic and international passengers, with an average of 100 to 150 flights every 24 hours.

Runway extensions

Da Nang International Airport has two runways, each approximately 3,048 metres (10,000 ft) long. One of these runways was extended to 3,500 metres (11,483 ft) at a cost of US$160 million, increasing the airport's total capacity to six million passengers per year. The airport now has a total of two 10,000-foot (3,048 m) paved, parallel runways (17–35 orientation) capable of handling large, modern aircraft such as Boeing 747s, 767s, Airbus A320s, and Antonov 124s.

The history of Da Nang International Airport dates back to the 1940s when it was known as Tourane Airport, built by the French colonial government as a civilian airport. During World War II and the Japanese occupation of French Indochina, the airport was used as a military air base by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. After the war, the facility was utilised by the French Air Force during the French Indochina War (1945-1954). It was during this period, in 1953-1954, that the French constructed a NATO-standard 7,800-foot (2,400-metre) asphalt runway.

During the Vietnam War (1959-1975), the airport served as a major United States military base known as Da Nang Air Base. The facility underwent significant expansion during this time, growing to 2,350 acres (950 hectares) with the addition of two asphalt runways, parallel taxiways, and a heliport.

In more recent years, Da Nang International Airport has continued to develop and expand its infrastructure. A new 20,000-square-metre terminal, costing US$84 million, opened in December 2011, increasing the airport's capacity to four million passengers per year. The airport's renovation was partially sponsored by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and included enhanced security systems, baggage handling, and boarding facilities.

Passenger capacity

Da Nang International Airport has two terminals – a Domestic Terminal and an International Terminal – with a total passenger capacity of 11 million per annum as of 2018. The airport served 5 million passengers in 2014, reaching that number around six years earlier than expected.

The Domestic Terminal handles all flights within Vietnam from Da Nang to destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc Island, among others. It can handle over 3.5 million passengers annually. The International Terminal, on the other hand, has a capacity of over 2 million international passengers every year. It provides connections to major international hubs, including Singapore, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In 2011, a new 20,000-square-metre terminal with a capacity of 4 million passengers per year was opened. Following this expansion and the completion of another new terminal in 2017, the airport's total capacity increased to 6 million passengers annually.

The airport's convenient location and continuous expansions have solidified its position as Central Vietnam's major transportation hub.

Military history

Da Nang International Airport, located in Central Vietnam, has a rich military history. The airport was originally built by the French colonial government in the 1930s or 1940s as a civilian airport called Tourane Airport. During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force used the airport as a military air base during the Japanese occupation of French Indochina.

After World War II, the airport was utilised by the French Air Force during the French Indochina War (1945-1954). In 1953-54, the French constructed a NATO-standard 7,800-foot (2,400-metre) asphalt runway at Tourane and stationed loaned American B-26 "Invaders" aircraft there. Following the Geneva Peace Accords in 1954, these aircraft were returned to the United States.

In 1955, with the formation of the Air Department, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces, the airport was inherited by the newly established Republic of Vietnam Air Force (VNAF). The VNAF re-established its presence at the renamed Da Nang Airport in 1957, stationing the 1st Liaison Squadron with Cessna L-19s. The South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) also utilised Da Nang as a ranger training facility.

During the Vietnam War (1959-1975), the airport was known as Da Nang Air Base and served as a major United States military base. The facility was significantly expanded during this period, growing to 2,350 acres (950 hectares) with two 10,000-foot (3,048-metre) asphalt runways, parallel taxiways, and a heliport. The United States stationed Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine units at the base. It was also used by Air Vietnam for civilian domestic and international flights within Southeast Asia during this time.

Da Nang Air Base was the most northerly major air base in the Republic of Vietnam, located 85 miles (137 km) south of the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Vietnams. It is historically significant as the strike base from which the Vietnam Air Force (VNAF) launched its first strike into North Vietnam on February 8, 1965, utilising a squadron of Douglas A-1 Skyraiders.

Today, Da Nang International Airport still shares its runway with the Vietnamese People's Air Force (VPAF), although military activities are now extremely limited.

Dining and shopping

Da Nang International Airport is a large airport, with two 10,000-foot (3,048-metre) paved, parallel runways, one of which was extended to a length of 3,500 metres (11,483 feet). The airport is capable of handling large, modern aircraft, such as Boeing 747s, 767s, and Airbus A320s.

Da Nang International Airport offers a range of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a more leisurely gourmet meal, you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from. You can also enjoy a delicious espresso or a refreshing drink to boost your energy levels before boarding your flight.

The airport also features a vast array of renowned retail outlets, offering a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience. From fashion and accessories to gifts and souvenirs, you'll be able to browse and indulge in some duty-free shopping.

To enhance your travel experience, the airport provides a user-friendly digital guidebook and QR codes, making it easier to navigate the terminal and locate your desired dining and shopping options.

The airport's website also mentions Helpy the Seagull, the official mascot of Da Nang International Terminal, adding a unique and playful touch to the airport's dining and shopping experience.

With its range of dining and shopping options, Da Nang International Airport ensures that travellers can enjoy a pleasant and convenient experience while waiting for their flights. Whether you're looking to grab a quick meal, indulge in some retail therapy, or simply relax with a cup of coffee, the airport provides a well-rounded and enjoyable environment to meet your needs.

Transport options

Da Nang International Airport is located in the city itself, just 3 km from the city centre. While the airport is quite accessible, public transport options to and from the airport are limited.

Public Transport

There is only one bus service, Danabus's route 12, which covers a small eastern section of the city. The bus stops are about a 10-minute walk from the airport terminal. Tickets are very affordable at €0.25 (VND 6,000) but are not valid for other routes. This option is mostly suitable for backpackers or travellers with light luggage.

Taxi

The proximity of the airport to the city centre and the abundance of taxis available make this the fastest and most convenient way of getting downtown. Taxi fares are affordable and set by the city. The rates are as follows: a base fee of €0.35 (VND 8,500), a per km cost of €0.40 (VND 10,000) and a waiting time charge of €1 (VND 25,000) per hour. Fixed-rate fares are also available but must be agreed upon with the taxi company before the journey. Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals hall of terminal buildings 1 and 2.

Private Shuttle Service

Private shuttle services and executive cars can be booked in advance.

Frequently asked questions