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History of Chu Lai Airport
During the war era around 1975, Chu Lai Airport served as a military base for the Republic of Vietnam and the United States, primarily for military purposes.
Following periods of peace, the Chu Lai economic zone emerged, marking a resurgence for the airport. Specifically, from February 11, 2004, to March 22, 2005, the airport underwent investments for civilian purposes, expanding terminals, installing passenger facilities, and commencing its first civilian flights in March 2005 from Tan Son Nhat Airport. On June 2, 2010, Vietnam Airlines, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai provinces, inaugurated commercial flights between Hanoi and Chu Lai, operating four flights per week to meet customer demand.
Exploring Information about Chu Lai Airport – Image Source: Internet
As of the present time, Chu Lai Airport has one runway with a length of 3,050 meters and a width of 45 meters. It is projected that by around 2025, a second runway measuring 3,250 meters in length and 65 meters in width will be completed, along with a second terminal to accommodate more passengers.
Chu Lai Airport serves as a standby airport for neighboring airports in the Central region. Not only does Chu Lai Airport hold significant importance as a transportation hub connecting provinces and cities domestically, but it also plays a crucial role in linking economic regions in the Chu Lai and Dung Quat open economic zones in the future. Therefore, the airport continues to receive attention, with plans for investment and upgrades in the foreseeable future.
Infrastructure of Chu Lai Airport
Chu Lai Airport possesses a single runway, officially designated as 14/32, with a total length of 3050 meters and a width of 45 meters.
Taxiway System:
The airport's taxiway system is constructed to standard, with the main taxiway E1 designed parallel to the runway. Additionally, the airport features five auxiliary taxiways labeled E2 through E6, designed in a north-south orientation, utilized for unexpected aircraft takeoffs or landings.
Aircraft Apron:
As of the current time, Chu Lai Airport features a total of 3 aircraft aprons labeled 1 through 3, each with different dimensions. Apron 1 measures 383 x 191 meters, apron 2 measures 261 x 154 meters, and finally, apron 3 measures 450 x 200 meters. All aprons are meticulously designed and equipped with modern technology, situated in the Northeast area relative to the runway.
Interior Image of Chu Lai Airport – Image Source: Internet
Passenger Terminal:
The passenger terminal is designed alongside the cargo terminal but is divided into distinct areas, comprising 2 floors with a total area of 3,360 square meters. The first floor serves as the public area for flight procedures, luggage collection, check-in, with restricted zones marked separately. The second floor is dedicated to office spaces.
The terminal at Chu Lai Airport is divided into multiple areas catering to passengers' needs – Image Source: Internet
Additionally, at the airport, there are dining areas, souvenir shops, duty-free stores, free wifi, waiting lounges, restroom facilities, and more. Despite some limitations, it still meets basic needs, providing comfort for passengers at Chu Lai Airport.
Airlines Operating at Chu Lai Airport
Currently, all four domestic airlines operating flights to Chu Lai Airport from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Vietnam Airlines initiated flights first, followed by Pacific Airlines (formerly Jetstar Pacific) on May 19, 2015, Vietjet Air commenced operations in May 2015, and lastly Bamboo Airways.
As of the current time, no international airlines are operating flights to Chu Lai Airport. However, it is expected that after further upgrades and renovations, more airlines will deploy routes here. Chu Lai Airport currently handles approximately 3 to 5 flights per day, with frequencies increasing during holiday seasons.
Where is Chu Lai Airport Located?
Many still refer to it as Quang Ngai Airport or Quang Nam Airport, but they all actually refer to Chu Lai Airport.
Chu Lai Airport is precisely located in Tam Nghia commune, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province, situated within the Chu Lai economic zone. Due to its geographical proximity to Quang Ngai, a province renowned for its pristine and tranquil Ly Son Island, and the fact that Quang Ngai currently lacks an airport, the distance from Chu Lai to Quang Ngai is not considerable. Hence, people often combine them and refer to it as Quang Ngai Airport.
Distance reference from Chu Lai Airport to various locations – Image Source: Internet
To travel from Chu Lai Airport to the center of Tam Ky City, Quang Nam, it takes approximately 34 kilometers in the north direction, taking about nearly 1 hour. If travelers wish to reach the center of Quang Ngai City, they need to travel a bit farther, around 42 kilometers in the south direction, taking approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Due to its convenient geographical location, the airport receives a considerable number of passengers annually.
How to Travel from Chu Lai Airport to the City Center?
Currently, traveling from Chu Lai Airport to the city center has become easier than ever, as travelers can choose from various transportation options to suit their plans and budget. The most common methods include taxis, airport shuttle buses, shuttles, motorbike taxis, and more.
Taxi
Taxis are highly convenient and readily available outside the airport at any time, saving travelers time. However, due to the distance from the airport to Quang Ngai City center, which is 42 kilometers, and Tam Ky City, Quang Nam, which is 34 kilometers, taxi fares are relatively high, ranging from 450,000 to 600,000 VND per trip depending on the destination. But if travelers are in groups, this mode of transportation is quite reasonable. Some taxi companies at Chu Lai Airport include Mai Linh Taxi, Suntaxi, Quang Ngai Taxi, Manh Thuy Taxi, and more.
It's easy to travel to the city center from the airport by taxi – Image Source: Internet
Airport Shuttle Bus
Opting for bus transportation is a cost-saving option favored by many, especially young travelers. Currently, there are multiple bus routes running to and from the city center with fares around 40,000 VND. However, the travel time to Quang Ngai City center can be quite long, up to 1 hour and 30 minutes, so travelers should plan accordingly. Additionally, buses are suitable for passengers with light luggage, making transportation easier.
Traveling by bus is a cost-saving option for passengers – Image Source: Internet
Private Shuttle Service
Private shuttle service allows travelers to proactively arrange their itineraries for better time optimization, especially for group tours. Choosing a large shuttle for group transportation makes organization easier. To ensure the best plan, travelers can pre-book shuttle services before their flight, informing the driver of the airport arrival and departure times for better time estimation and preparation before the group arrives.
For large groups, shuttle services are always prioritized – Image Source: Internet
This transportation method typically has reference prices of 500,000 VND for 4-7 seats, 1,000,000 VND for 16-seat vehicles, while VIP vehicles may have higher prices fluctuating depending on the time. Travelers can also hire private transportation for convenient sightseeing during their vacation days.
Motorbike Taxi
Although less common, traditional motorbike taxis still serve at the airport, suitable for those who need to travel closer to Quang Nam City with a distance of about 30 kilometers. However, before deciding on a motorbike taxi, travelers should inquire about the price beforehand and negotiate for the most reasonable fare.
Attractions in Tam Ky, Quang Nam
When visiting Tam Ky City, a favorite stop for many tourists is Phu Ninh Lake, known as the emerald gem of Tam Ky. It impresses with its azure water, vast space filled with fresh air, and lush green vegetation.
Another must-visit spot is Tam Thanh Mural Village, aptly named for its stunning murals painted by talented artists, depicting wonderful stories in the peaceful fishing village by the sea.
Tam Thanh Mural Village is where you can admire impressive beauty – Image Source: Internet
If anyone falls in love with the beauty of the sea with picturesque cliffs, a masterpiece of nature bestowed upon Tam Ky, then Rang Beach is where you can capture the complete beauty blending rocks, sea, light, and sky colors in a serene space filled with the unique breath of natural art.
Attractions in Quang Ngai
When visiting Quang Ngai, you cannot miss famous check-in spots like the Sa Huynh salt fields, known as one of the largest salt fields in the Central region, with the impressive view of endless white salt fields.
Or Ly Son Island, an island with pristine scenery, fresh nature, and vast garlic fields. A place where the majestic scenery of wild mountains blends with the gentle beauty of the silver-white waterfalls like a silver silk ribbon, which you can admire and enjoy at the White Waterfall tourist area.
Ly Son Island, an ideal stopover in Quang Ngai - Source: Internet
For those who adore the beauty of the sea, immersing themselves in the cool water, and playing exciting games on the smooth sandy beach, Dung Quat Beach, with its serene and romantic scenery, is an extremely ideal stopover when visiting Quang Ngai.
With detailed information about Chu Lai Airport, hopefully, you now have a better idea of where Chu Lai Airport is located, what it offers, and how to travel from the airport to the city center of Quang Ngai, Quang Nam. So, don't hesitate any longer, start planning to come and enjoy the beautiful nature and unique cuisine of Quang region!
