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The Origin Story of Pleiku Airport
Pleiku Airport was built in the 1960s primarily for military purposes. After March 18, 1975, Pleiku was liberated, and Pleiku Airport became part of the Vietnamese Air Force base.
On December 12, 1977, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam signed Decision No. 1528/QDTC regarding the completion of the organizational structure of airports in the Central Highlands. Pleiku Airport was then organized with 27 personnel, including 1 Director and 1 Deputy Director, tasked with serving national security and defense, supporting the socio-economic development of Gia Lai Kontum province as requested. This laid the foundation for the subsequent development of Pleiku Airport.
After numerous upgrades and renovations, by the year 2001, Pleiku Airport had invested in various facilities including the control tower, civilian terminal, off-site parking, and command center. The passenger terminal consists of two floors, serving over 150 passengers during peak hours. The aircraft apron has 3 positions for Fokker, Bombardier, ATR72 types, and 2 spots for aircraft under 7 tons. The car park can accommodate up to 130 vehicles of all types.
Pleiku Gia Lai Airport has undergone multiple upgrades and renovations to enhance service quality - Image source: Internet
On September 28, 2014, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) commenced a comprehensive project to upgrade Pleiku Airport, enhancing service quality and meeting the demand for passenger and cargo transportation to key regions such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, shortening travel time, and driving economic development for Gia Lai province and the Central Highlands region. Currently, Pleiku Airport is capable of accommodating medium-range aircraft (A320/A321) with around 180 passengers per flight or equivalent-sized aircraft.
Where is Pleiku Airport located?
Pleiku Airport, often referred to by locals as Gia Lai Airport, is officially named Pleiku Airport and is located on 17/3 Street, Thong Nhat Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
Easily accessible from Pleiku Airport to the city center with a short distance - Image source: Internet
The distance from Pleiku Airport to Pleiku City center is quite close, only about 6 km, making it convenient for travel without spending too much time. It is one of the top small airports in Vietnam operated and managed by the Central Airports Corporation. Due to its strategic location and importance to the national economy and security, Pleiku Airport is used for both civilian and military purposes.
Key information about Pleiku Airport
English Name: Pleiku Airport (PLA)
- Phone: (+84) 0269.3825096
- Fax: (+84) 0269.3825096
- AFTN: VVPKZPZX
- Airport Code: PXU
- Runway: 01 runway with a length of 2,400m and a width of 45m.
- Apron: 05 parking positions for A320, A321 aircraft, and equivalent with self-manoeuvring capability.
- Able to handle A320/321 and equivalent or smaller aircraft.
- Airport Category: 4C
- Dual-use airport for military and civilian purposes
- Service Hours: 12/24h
A corner at Pleiku Airport - Gia Lai - Image source: Internet
Detailed information about the passenger terminal
As of the current moment, after multiple renovations and infrastructure upgrades, the passenger terminal at Pleiku Airport covers a total usable area of 3,174.53m2, consisting of 2 floors and 2 gates for boarding aircraft, capable of accommodating about 300 passengers during peak hours, approximately 600,000 passengers per year.
The terminal at Pleiku Airport is invested in with full facilities to serve passengers - Image source: Internet
The passenger terminal at Pleiku Airport is invested in and equipped with a complete system of modern specialized aviation technology, offering various amenities to meet the needs of passengers, including: 10 airline check-in counters, 22 flight information display screens for easy observation and information lookup, automatic gates, metal detectors, baggage screening machines, surveillance camera system, free wifi system, emergency exit signs, fire alarm system, lightning protection, automatic fire suppression system, complete luggage carts, and wheelchairs for disabled passengers...
Domestic Routes: Pleiku Airport currently has 4 airlines operating domestic routes from Pleiku to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Nang... which are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways.
International Routes: Some popular international routes operated include Beijing - Pleiku, Singapore - Pleiku.
How to get from Pleiku Airport to the city center?
From Gia Lai Airport to the city center is not far, with various transportation options available. Knowing the travel time and some services operated here can help you better organize your schedule during your trip as follows:
Shuttle Service
Right at the airport, you can easily travel to the city center or nearby districts by shuttle bus. This service is relatively inexpensive, saving you a lot of money with only about 100,000 VND per person. If you have a group of over 5 people, the price will be even cheaper. You can contact in advance to purchase tickets for better schedule arrangement or buy tickets at the service counters at the airport.
Shuttle bus service at Pleiku Airport is highly convenient, making schedule arrangement easy – Source: Internet
Bus
Bus is also a convenient and cost-effective means of transportation suitable for passengers with few luggage. There are many bus routes available, such as:
- Phú Sơn – Pleiku City Center
- Duc Long Bus Station – Pleiku City Center
- Pleiku – Pleiku City
- Pleiku – Kon Tum…
Bus waiting area at Gia Lai Airport operates with a frequency of about 30 – 60 minutes/trip – Source: Internet
Taxi
For the fastest and most convenient way to travel, suitable for passengers with a lot of luggage who want to save time, taxi remains a popular choice for its convenience. There are many taxi companies serving right at the airport with fares ranging from 70,000 to 150,000 VND per trip depending on the distance.
Taxi is suitable for passengers with a lot of luggage for easy transportation – Source: Internet
- Hung Nhan: 059 3717171
- Huy Hoang: 059 3757575
- Mai Linh: 059 3717979
- Phu Quy: 059 3872777
- Tre Xanh: 059 3716666
Motorbike Taxi
In addition to the above means of transportation, traditional motorbike taxis are also available here, serving almost 24/24, meeting the needs of passengers. However, if you choose to travel by motorbike taxi, you should inquire about the price beforehand and negotiate skillfully to avoid being charged excessively high prices.
Explore Hotels Near the Airport
Whether you're here for business or leisure from out of town, consider staying at one of the conveniently located hotels in Pleiku City for easy access. Some budget-friendly options with available rooms include:
Distance from Pleiku Airport to Key Attractions
Tea Lake
Embark on a Journey to Tea Lake, just approximately 10 km away from Pleiku Airport. Tea Lake boasts a mesmerizing beauty with its crystal-clear water surrounded by lush green tea hills of the Central Highlands. Upon arrival, you'll be captivated by the serene atmosphere and invigorated by the surrounding greenery, making it a perfect spot for nature-inspired photo ops.
Enjoy easy access from the airport to Tea Lake with a conveniently short distance – Source: Internet
T'nung Lake
Only about 9 km from Pleiku Airport lies T'nung Lake, often dubbed as the “Pleiku's Eyes” for its soft and romantic charm amidst the pristine mountainous nature. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the gentle breeze, admire the calm surface of the lake, and gaze at the distant greenery of the mountains, offering utmost relaxation. This is truly a destination not to be missed when visiting Gia Lai province.
T'nung Lake exudes a charming and romantic beauty, just a short distance from Gia Lai Airport – Source: Internet
Ham Rong Mountain Peak
Located approximately over 18 km from Pleiku Airport, Ham Rong Mountain Peak offers a breathtaking landscape that rewards the effort of climbing over 1000m. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be overwhelmed and deeply fascinated by the incredibly picturesque scenery and the abundant natural beauty, feeling as if you can almost touch the drifting clouds. During the wild sunflower season, the beauty is even more impressive with vibrant yellow hues spreading far and wide, attracting numerous visitors to capture the most beautiful photos.
Ham Rong Mountain Peak adorned in the golden colors of the wild sunflowers – Source: Internet
Pleiku Prison
Located just about 6km from the airport, Pleiku Prison is a historical landmark attracting many visitors. It vividly portrays the intense wartime scenes of brutal torture, showcasing the courageous and patriotic spirit of our forefathers.
Minh Thanh Pagoda
From Pleiku Airport, Minh Thanh Pagoda is approximately 7 km away. It's one of the renowned spiritual tourist destinations in Pleiku, visited by many travelers seeking blessings and goodwill.
Situated in the heart of the city, this is one of the largest temples, featuring a unique architectural blend of Japanese and Chinese cultures. It was built back in 1964 by Venerable Thich Giac Dao and has since become a place of worship and offering for Buddhist followers.
Minh Thanh Pagoda – A renowned spiritual tourist destination in Gia Lai – Source: Internet
After many years of ups and downs, the temple has been renovated and rebuilt, adorned with an incredibly impressive appearance. Therefore, this place not only attracts people for pilgrimage and worship but also for admiring the unique architectural beauty of Minh Thanh Pagoda.
Explore more attractions:
- Discover the top 18 most enticing tourist destinations in Gia Lai
- Explore the 16 most beautiful tourist spots in Pleiku
Hopefully, through this article, we have provided you with more detailed information about Gia Lai Airport or more accurately, Pleiku Airport, so you can plan and arrange your itinerary accordingly. For added convenience in your travels, you can also book your flight tickets on mytour to enjoy special discounts and the fastest support.
