Chu Lai airport: Location, infrastructure, flight routes & transportation

Chu Lai Airport - Quang Nam (Sân bay Chu Lai - Quảng Nam) is one of the important aviation gateways of Central Vietnam. From a military airport during wartime, by 2005, the airport has been renovated and upgraded into a modern civil airport. Chu Lai airport is equipped with modern facilities, ensuring aviation safety and capable of receiving medium-sized transport aircraft, contributing to promoting the socio-economic development of Quang Nam province in particular and the Central region in general.

1. Introduction to Chu Lai airport

Chu Lai Airport (VCL) is a civil-military aviation port in Quang Nam (Quảng Nam), serving Quang Nam province, Quang Ngai (Quảng Ngãi), and the Central region. Opening its doors to the first commercial flight in March 2005, the airport is now an important connection point with Hanoi (Hà Nội), Ho Chi Minh City (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh), and other domestic destinations.

• Full name: Chu Lai Airport Port.
• English name: Chu Lai Airport.
• Address: Tam Nghia Commune (Xã Tam Nghĩa), Nui Thanh District (huyện Núi Thành), Quang Nam Province (tỉnh Quảng Nam).
• Scale: Area approximately 2,000 - 3,000ha (largest in Vietnam).
• Number of terminals: 1 passenger terminal (planning to expand with T2, T3).
• Management: Central Vietnam Airport Corporation (ACV).

The airport officially welcomed its first commercial flight in March 2005. Since then, Chu Lai has continuously expanded and upgraded to meet the increasing travel needs of residents and tourists.

1.1. Chu Lai airport location

Located within the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone (Khu kinh tế mở Chu Lai), the airport is only about 30km from Tam Ky City (thành phố Tam Kỳ) and close to major industrial zones like Dung Quat (Dung Quất). This location facilitates convenient connections between economic, tourism, and industrial centers of Central Vietnam, while creating conditions for domestic and international trade development.

1.2. Infrastructure and structure of Chu Lai airport

Chu Lai Airport is equipped with a 3,050m concrete runway, suitable for operating wide-body aircraft such as Airbus A320 and A321. The current passenger terminal has a modern design, mainly serving domestic flights, and is being planned for upgrade to international 4F standard in the near future.

The supporting infrastructure system at the airport includes hangars, taxiways, parking areas, and zones for military operations. Notably, the airport is implementing plans to build additional T2 and T3 terminals, aiming to increase total service capacity to 10-30 million passengers annually by 2050.

Chu Lai Airport plays an important role in connecting trade between Central Vietnam and key economic regions (Source: Internet)

2. Popular flight routes at Chu Lai airport

Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates flight routes to and from Chu Lai. Below are some popular flight routes:

2.1. From Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Nam

• Departure point: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
• Destination: Chu Lai Airport (VCL)
• Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Frequency: 5 - 6 flights/day
• Ticket price: From 1,221,000 VND/one way

2.2. From Hanoi to Quang Nam

• Departure point: Noi Bai Airport (HAN)
• Destination: Chu Lai Airport (VCL)
• Flight time: 06 hours 50 minutes
• Frequency: 7 flights/day
• Ticket price: From 1,221,000 VND/one way

2.3. From Hai Phong to Quang Nam

• Departure point: Cat Bi Airport (HPH)
• Destination: Chu Lai Airport (VCL)
• Flight time: 1 hour 00 minutes
• Frequency: 6 flights/day
• Ticket price: From 2,525,000 VND/one way

2.4. From Thanh Hoa to Quang Nam

• Departure point: Tho Xuan Airport (THD)
• Destination: Chu Lai Airport (VCL)
• Flight time: 08 hours 05 minutes
• Frequency: 3 flights/day
• Ticket price: From 2,505,000 VND/one way

2.5. From Dong Hoi to Quang Nam

• Departure point: Dong Hoi Airport (VDH)
• Destination: Chu Lai Airport (VCL)
• Flight time: 04 hours 00 minutes
• Frequency: 2 flights/day
• Ticket price: From 2,495,000 VND/one way

Fly directly to Chu Lai airport from many major cities across the country with flight times from just 1 hour 20 minutes, multiple flights daily, ticket prices from just over 1,000,000 VND. Book your tickets today to enjoy a convenient, quick, and complete journey with Vietnam Airlines.

Major airlines like Vietnam Airlines operate flight routes to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and many other provinces and cities to Chu Lai (Source: Internet)

3. Transportation from Chu Lai airport to city center

The transportation system connecting from Chu Lai Airport is very convenient and diverse (Source: Internet)

4. Important notes when arriving at Chu Lai airport

To ensure your journey goes smoothly without unexpected interruptions, please remember these important notes below:

• Check flight information: Always update departure times and boarding gates before arriving at the airport, in case the airline makes sudden changes.
  
• Arrive at the airport on time: You should arrive at least 60 minutes before domestic flight departure, or earlier if the airline has specific requirements (usually 90 minutes).
  
• Prepare complete documents: Passengers need to bring complete identification documents, electronic tickets, and boarding passes (can be printed in advance or obtained at check-in counters).
  
• Bring necessary items: Chu Lai terminal currently has limited services, so you should prepare drinking water, masks, jackets, power banks, and basic personal items in advance.
  
• Pay attention to rainy season weather: The period from September to December often has heavy rain and storms, which can easily affect flight schedules. Monitor weather reports and airline announcements to proactively adjust plans if necessary.
  

In the future, Chu Lai Airport is expected to become an international airport, contributing to promoting economic development in the Central coastal region (Source: Internet)

Chu Lai Airport is not only an important aviation gateway for the Central region but also a driving force for socio-economic development for Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. With modern infrastructure, strategic location, and plans for future expansion, this place promises to become a major aviation center of the country. Book your tickets today to explore the sunny and windy Central region, with distinctive culture and beautiful nature.