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The Formation History of Chu Lai Airport
Previously, during the war around 1975, Chu Lai Airport served as the air base for the Republic of Vietnam and the United States, primarily for military purposes.
After peace was restored, the Chu Lai economic zone emerged, marking a period of revival for the airport. Specifically, from February 11, 2004, to March 22, 2005, the airport underwent investment, construction, renovation, and upgrade to serve civilian purposes. Additional terminals were developed, and passenger facilities were installed, with the first flight operation commencing in March 2005 from Tan Son Nhat Airport. On June 2, 2010, Vietnam Airlines, in coordination with the People's Committee of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai provinces, inaugurated the Hanoi - Chu Lai commercial air route, operating four flights per week in both directions to meet customer demand.
Exploring information about Chu Lai Airport – Source: Internet
As of now, Chu Lai Airport has one runway with a length of 3,050m and a width of 45m. It is expected that by around 2025, the second runway will be completed, measuring 3,250m in length and 65m in width, along with a second terminal to accommodate more passengers.
Chu Lai Airport plays a role as a backup airport for neighboring airports in the Central region. It is not only strategically important as a transportation hub connecting provinces and cities domestically but also serves as a focal point for economic zones in the Chu Lai and Dung Quat open economic zones, with significant influence and potential for future development. Therefore, the airport continues to be prioritized for investment and upgrades in the coming years.
Infrastructure of Chu Lai Airport
Chu Lai Airport boasts a single runway, officially operational (designated as 14/32), measuring a total length of 3050 meters and a width of 45 meters.
Taxiway System:
The airport's taxiway system is well-invested and constructed to standards, with the main taxiway E1 designed parallel to the runway. Moreover, the airport features an additional 5 auxiliary taxiways labeled from E2 – E6, designed in a North-South orientation, utilized to accommodate unexpected aircraft takeoffs or landings.
Aircraft Apron:
As of now, Chu Lai Airport boasts a total of 3 aircraft aprons, each uniquely designed. Apron 1 measures 383 x 191 (m), Apron 2 measures 261 x 154 (m), and finally Apron 3 spans 450 x 200 (m). All aprons are meticulously engineered and situated in the Northeast area relative to the runway.
Interior view of Chu Lai Airport - Image Source: Internet
Passenger Terminal:
The passenger terminal is integrated with the cargo terminal but is divided into distinct areas. It consists of 2 floors with a total area of 3,360 m2. The first floor serves as the public area for check-in, arrival, baggage claim, and restricted zones with dedicated signage. The second floor is exclusively for offices.
As of now, no international airline operates flights to Chu Lai Airport. However, there are plans for more airlines to deploy routes here in the future, especially after the airport undergoes further upgrades. Chu Lai Airport currently handles around 3 to 5 flights per day, with frequencies increasing during holidays and festivals.
Where is Chu Lai Airport located?
Many still refer to it as Quang Ngai Airport or Quang Nam Airport, but they all point to Chu Lai Airport.
Chu Lai Airport is precisely situated in Tam Nghia commune, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province, right within the Chu Lai economic zone. Due to its geographic proximity to Quang Ngai, a province renowned for its pristine and serene Ly Son island, and because Quang Ngai currently lacks an airport, people often conflate the two, hence the term Quang Ngai Airport.
Distance reference from Chu Lai airport to various destinations – Image source: Internet
To travel from Chu Lai Airport to the center of Tam Ky City – Quang Nam, you need to cover a distance of 34 km heading north, taking approximately almost 1 hour. If you wish to reach the center of Quang Ngai City, you'll have to travel a bit further, around 42 km towards the south, taking about 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 get 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 have various transportation options to choose from, depending on their plans and budget. The most common means of transportation include taxis, airport shuttle buses, private car services, motorcycle taxis, and more.
Traveling by taxi
Taxis offer unparalleled convenience and are readily available at the airport at any time. They are a time-saving option for travelers. However, due to the considerable distance from the airport to downtown Quảng Ngãi, which is 42km, and Tam Kỳ, Quảng Nam, which is 34km, taxi fares are relatively high, ranging from 450,000 – 600,000 VND per trip depending on the destination. Nonetheless, for group travel, taxis are a reasonable choice. Some taxi companies at Chu Lai Airport that travelers can consider include: Mai Linh Taxi, Suntaxi, Quảng Ngãi Taxi, and Mạnh Thuỷ Taxi.
Easily reaching the city center from the airport by taxi - Image Source: Internet
Airport shuttle buses
Many people opt for a cost-saving method of transportation, especially young enthusiasts who prefer traveling by bus. Nowadays, there are numerous bus routes ferrying passengers to and from the city center with ticket prices around 40,000 VND. However, the travel time to Quang Ngai City center is quite long, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, so travelers should consider their plans carefully. Additionally, buses are suitable for passengers with light luggage, making it easier to move around.
Traveling by bus is a cost-effective option for passengers - Source: Internet
Door-to-door Shuttle Service
Door-to-door shuttle service is a convenient option for travelers to plan their itineraries more efficiently, especially for those traveling in groups or large parties. Opting for larger shuttles for group travel makes arrangements much simpler. To ensure the optimal solution, travelers can pre-book shuttle services before their flight, providing departure and arrival times at the airport so drivers can estimate waiting times before the group arrives.
For groups with many people, shuttle service is always prioritized – Source: Internet
For this mode of transportation, the usual price range for 4 – 7 seats is around 500,000VND, for 16-seat vehicles is 1,000,000VND, VIP vehicles may have higher prices fluctuating depending on the time. Travelers can also opt for package car rental services to conveniently visit tourist attractions on their travel days.
Motorbike taxi
Although motorbike taxis are 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 km. However, before deciding to take a motorbike taxi, travelers should inquire about the price beforehand, and negotiation is possible to agree on the most reasonable fare.
Explore the captivating tourist spots in Tam Ky, Quang Nam province.
Discover the enchanting Phu Ninh Lake in Tam Ky, known as the emerald gem of the city. Its azure waters and lush surroundings offer a refreshing retreat.
Embark on a visual journey through Tam Thanh Mural Village, where skillfully painted murals depict fascinating stories amidst the serene coastal scenery.
Admire the remarkable beauty of Tam Thanh Mural Village - Source: Internet
If anyone falls in love with the beauty of the sea with its picturesque rocky cliffs, a masterpiece of nature bestowed upon the land of Tam Ky, then Rang Beach is where you can capture the harmony of rocks, sea, light, sky colors in a serene space filled with the unique natural artistic breath.
Attractions in Quang Ngai
When you come to 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 sight of vast white salt fields.
Or Ly Son Island, an island with pristine scenery, fresh nature, and vast impressive garlic fields. A place blending the rugged, majestic scenery of mountains and the gentle, soft beauty of white cascading waterfalls like silver ribbons you can admire and enjoy; that's the White Waterfall tourist area.
Lý Sơn Island, a haven of ideal retreat in Quang Ngai - Source: Internet
For those who admire the beauty of the open sea, immersing themselves in refreshing waters, and indulging in fun activities on smooth, captivating sandy beaches, Dung Quat Beach is the perfect sanctuary. With its serene and romantic scenery, it's an ideal stopover when visiting Quang Ngai.
With detailed information about Chu Lai Airport, hopefully, you now have a clearer picture of its location, prominent features, and transportation options from the airport to the city center of Quang Ngai, Quang Nam. So, why wait? Start planning your trip to explore the fresh natural beauty and unique culinary delights of Quang region today!
