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Delving into the Origins of Pleiku Airport
Established in the 1960s, Pleiku Airport was initially constructed for military purposes. Following the liberation of Pleiku on March 18, 1975, the airport transitioned into a base for the Vietnamese Air Force.
On December 12, 1977, the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam issued Decision No. 1528/QDTC, outlining the organizational structure of airports in the Central Highlands. Pleiku Airport, with a staff of 27, including a Director and Deputy Director, was tasked with national security and defense, as well as supporting the socio-economic development of Gia Lai Kontum province. This laid the groundwork for the future development of Pleiku Airport.
After numerous upgrades and renovations, by 2001, Pleiku Airport had been invested in with various facilities including the control tower, the civilian passenger terminal, off-site parking, and the command center. The passenger terminal, spanning 2 floors, caters to over 150 passengers during peak hours. The aircraft apron accommodates 3 parking positions for Fokker, Bombardier, ATR72 aircraft, and 2 spots for aircraft under 7 tons, while the car parking lot can hold up to 130 vehicles of all types.
Pleiku Gia Lai Airport has undergone multiple upgrades and renovations to enhance service quality – Source: Internet
On September 28, 2014, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) commenced a comprehensive project to enhance the capacity of Pleiku Airport, improve service quality, and meet the demands of passenger and cargo transportation to key regions such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, reducing travel time and promoting economic development for Gia Lai province and the Central Highlands region as a whole. Currently, Pleiku Airport is capable of accommodating medium-range aircraft (A320/A321) carrying approximately 180 passengers per flight or equivalent-sized aircraft.
Where is Pleiku Airport Located?
Pleiku Airport, commonly known as Gia Lai Airport among locals, is officially named Pleiku International Airport, situated 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 – Source: Internet
The distance from Pleiku Airport to Pleiku City center is quite short, only about 6 km, making it very convenient for travel without consuming too much time. This is one of the top small airports in Vietnam managed by the Central Airports Corporation. Due to its strategic, economic, and national security importance, Pleiku Airport is used for both civilian and military purposes.
Key Information about Pleiku International Airport
English Name: Pleiku Airport (PLA)
- Phone: (+84) 0269.3825096
- Fax: (+84) 0269.3825096
- AFTN: VVPKZPZX
- Airport Code: PXU
- Runway: Consists of 01 runway with a length of 2,400m, width 45m.
- Apron: 05 parking positions for A320, A321 aircraft and equivalent with self-pushback/pull-in method.
- Able to accommodate A320/321 and equivalent or smaller aircraft.
- Airport Category: 4C
- Shared military and civilian airport
- Service Hours: 12/24h
A glimpse at Pleiku Airport – Gia Lai – Source: Internet
Detailed Information about the Passenger Terminal
As of now, following numerous renovations and infrastructure upgrades, the passenger terminal at Pleiku Airport covers a total floor area of 3,174.53m2, comprising 2 floors and 2 gates for boarding aircraft, capable of accommodating approximately 300 passengers during peak hours and around 600,000 passengers annually.
The passenger terminal at Pleiku Airport is invested in and fully equipped with facilities to serve passengers – Source: Internet
The passenger terminal at Pleiku Airport is invested in and equipped with a complete system of modern, specialized aviation technical equipment, and various amenities to meet the needs of passengers, including: 10 airline check-in counters, 22 flight information display screens for easy observation and information retrieval, automatic gates, security screening machines, metal detectors, baggage scanning machines, surveillance camera systems, free wifi, emergency exit signs, fire alarm systems, lightning protection, automatic firefighting systems, complete baggage carts, and vehicles for people with disabilities…
Domestic Routes: Currently, Pleiku Airport has 4 airlines operating domestic routes from Pleiku to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, Vinh, Danang… namely Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways.
International Routes: Some popular international routes 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, and there are various transportation options for you to choose from. Knowing the travel time and some operating services here can help you easily plan your itinerary as follows:
Shuttle Services
Right at the airport, you can easily travel to the city center or neighboring districts by shuttle. This service is relatively inexpensive, helping you save quite a bit of money, with only about 100,000 VND/person, and even cheaper for groups of over 5 people. You can contact in advance to purchase tickets for easier itinerary planning or buy tickets at service counters at the airport.
Shuttle service at Pleiku Airport is highly convenient, making itinerary planning easy – Source: Internet
Bus Service
Bus is also a convenient, cost-effective means of transportation suitable for passengers with minimal luggage. There are many bus routes available, such as:
- Phu Son – Pleiku City Center
- Duc Long Bus Station – Pleiku City Center
- Pleiku – Pleiku City
- Pleiku – Kon Tum…
Bus waiting area at Gia Lai Airport operates at intervals of approximately 30 – 60 minutes per trip – Source: Internet
Taxi
For the fastest and most convenient transportation option, suitable for passengers with heavy luggage who want to save time, taxi remains a popular choice. There are many taxi companies serving directly at the airport with fares ranging from about 70,000 – 150,000 VND per trip depending on the distance.
Taxis ideal for passengers with plenty of luggage for easy transportation – Image source: Internet
- Hùng Nhân: 059 3717171
- Huy Hoàng: 059 3757575
- Mai Linh: 059 3717979
- Phú Quý: 059 3872777
- Tre Xanh: 059 3716666
Motorcycle taxi
In addition to other modes of transportation mentioned, traditional motorcycle taxi services are also available here, catering to passengers almost 24/7, meeting their demands. However, if opting for motorcycle taxi rides, it is advisable to inquire about the fare beforehand and negotiate skillfully to avoid being overcharged.
Airport Proximity Hotels
If you're visiting for business or leisure from another locality, you may opt for hotels in Pleiku City for convenience. Some budget-friendly hotels currently offering rooms include:
Distance from Pleiku Airport to Tourist Attractions
Che Lake Beach
Pleiku Airport is only about 10 km away from Che Lake Beach. Che Lake Beach boasts an impressive beauty with its clear blue waters surrounded by lush tea hills of the Central Highlands. Visiting Che Lake Beach, you will be captivated by its gentle beauty in a serene yet vibrant atmosphere filled with lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for picturesque nature photography.
Getting to Che Lake Beach from the airport is a breeze with its close proximity – Image source: Internet
Hồ T’nưng Lake Beach
From Pleiku Airport, it's only about 9 km to Hồ T’nưng Lake Beach. This is where you can admire the beauty often dubbed as the 'Pleiku's Eyes' due to its soft and romantic charm amidst the pristine nature of the mountains. Enjoy the fresh air, gentle breezes, gaze upon the calm lake surface, and in the distance, behold the green hues of the surrounding forests, offering maximum relaxation. This is truly an unmissable destination when visiting Gia Lai.
Hồ T’nưng Lake Beach exudes a charming and romantic beauty not too far from Gia Lai Airport – Image source: Internet
Ham Rong Mountain Peak
Ham Rong Mountain Peak is approximately over 18 km from Pleiku Airport. Despite the more than 1000m climb to reach the summit, it's absolutely worthwhile as you'll be mesmerized and immensely delighted by the exceptionally picturesque scenery and the refreshing breath of nature, reaching out as if touching the drifting clouds. If you visit during the wild sunflower season, the beauty is further enhanced by the spread of vibrant yellow, attracting many visitors and capturing the most beautiful photos.
Ham Rong Mountain Peak adorned with golden hues of Wild Sunflowers – Image source: Internet
Pleiku Prison
Located very close to the airport, only about 6km away, Pleiku Prison is a place marked by history that many people visit. Here, it recreates images of the fierce wartime with extremely brutal tortures, as well as showcases the courageous and heroic spirit of our forefathers' patriotism.
Minh Thanh Pagoda
From Pleiku Airport to Minh Thanh Pagoda is approximately 7 km. This is one of the famous spiritual tourist destinations in Pleiku, visited by many travelers seeking blessings and auspiciousness.
Situated right in the city center, this is one of the largest temples, with a unique architecture blending Japanese and Chinese cultures. It was built in 1964 by Venerable Thich Giac Dao and has since become a place of worship and offering for Buddhist devotees.
Minh Thanh Pagoda – A famous spiritual tourist destination in Gia Lai – Image source: Internet
After many years of ups and downs, the temple has been renovated and rebuilt, adorning itself with a remarkably impressive appearance. Therefore, this place not only attracts people for pilgrimage and worship but also to admire the incredibly unique architectural beauty of Minh Thanh Pagoda.
Explore other locations:
- Top 18 Most Fascinating Tourist Destinations in Gia Lai
- 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 precisely, Pleiku Airport, so that you can plan and organize your schedule most appropriately. For added convenience in transportation, you can also book your flight tickets through Vntrip to enjoy preferential prices and the fastest support.
