Pleiku is the second largest city in the Central Highlands, showcasing the pristine beauty of the mountains and forests. Due to Pleiku's relatively remote location, many people choose to travel here by air. So, what flights are available at Pleiku Airport, and how far is it from famous tourist destinations? Read on to find out!
1. Does Pleiku have an airport?
Currently, Pleiku has only one airport, Pleiku Airport. It serves both military and civilian aviation, playing a strategic role in economic and national security, while also significantly contributing to the tourism industry of Gia Lai Province and the Central Highlands region.
2. Introduction to Pleiku Airport
Pleiku Airport is located in Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province, about 6 km northeast of the city center, next to National Highway 14. The airport is operated and managed by the Central Airport Corporation.
General information about Pleiku Airport:
- Full name: Pleiku Airport (English name: Pleiku Airport)
- Address: 17/3 Street – Thong Nhat Ward – Pleiku City – Gia Lai Province.
- Airport code: PXU
- Country code: +84
- Phone: (+84) 0269.3825096
- Terminal number: 1
- GMT hours: +7
3. The formation and development process of Pleiku Airport
Pleiku Airport was built in the 1960s for military purposes. On March 18, 1975, Pleiku City was liberated, and Pleiku Airport became a base for the Vietnam Air Force.
In May 1977, Pleiku Airport officially began operating civilian flights. On December 12, 1977, Pleiku Airport was officially staffed with 27 personnel, including 1 Director and 1 Deputy Director, tasked with ensuring national defense safety and supporting the socio-economic development of Gia Lai - Kon Tum Province.
In November 1991, Pleiku Airport constructed a new passenger terminal with a total area of 600m2. In 1999, the airport was upgraded to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
In 2001, Pleiku Airport invested in the construction of a new civil aviation area. The terminal has a first-floor area of 1,432m2, a second floor of 1,140m2, a parking lot that can accommodate 130 vehicles, and the operation area and control tower were also upgraded... In March 2003, the new civil aviation area officially went into operation.
On September 28, 2014, the Vietnam Airport Corporation began the renovation and upgrade project for Pleiku Airport, focusing on two main projects: the "Extension and upgrade of the runway, taxiway, and aircraft parking area" and the "Renovation and expansion of the passenger terminal" with a total investment of 1,050 billion VND. After the expansion and upgrade, Pleiku Airport has a runway measuring 2,400m x 45m with modern equipment, ensuring the operation of A320/321 and Boeing 737 aircraft. On September 5, 2015, the upgrade project for Pleiku Airport was inaugurated and put into operation.
In 2016, Pleiku Airport received additional investment from the Vietnam Airport Corporation for the "Precision Landing System ILS" project and the "Expansion of the aircraft parking area by 3 positions for A320/A321 and equivalent aircraft" to facilitate flight operations.
Pleiku Airport's planning goal for 2030 is to invest in the construction of a new passenger terminal with a capacity to serve 4 million passengers annually.
4. Overview of Pleiku Airport, Gia Lai
4.1. Runway and aircraft parking area size
Pleiku Airport has one runway measuring 2400m x 45m, equipped with a full system of lights and radar to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
The aircraft parking area has a total of 5 parking positions. Among them, there are 02 positions for A320, A321, and equivalent aircraft, and 03 positions for ATR72 and equivalent aircraft.
4.2. Number of floors
The passenger terminal at Pleiku Airport, after renovation and expansion, has a total usable area of 3,174.53m2, consisting of 2 floors.
- First floor: Includes ticket counters, baggage handling area, business lounge, check-in area, isolation area...
- Second floor: Includes waiting rooms for boarding, dining restaurants, souvenir counters...
4.3. Amenities at the terminal
Pleiku Airport has invested in building a passenger terminal according to 4C standards with many accompanying amenities:
- 10 airline check-in counters.
- 22 flight information display screens.
- Free wifi system.
- Baggage carts, vehicles for disabled persons.
- Restaurants, cafes.
- Souvenir counters...
5. Transportation from Pleiku Airport to the city, hotels
Pleiku Airport is only 6 km from the city. Therefore, traveling to the city center is very easy with transportation options such as taxis, buses, and motorbike taxis...
5.1. Taxi
Traveling by taxi is quick and convenient, suitable for travelers with a lot of luggage. Taxi fares from the airport to the city center range from 70,000 - 150,000 VND/ride. You can refer to some reputable taxi companies in Pleiku:
- Hùng Nhân: 0269 3717171
- Phú Quý: 0269 3872777
- Huy Hoàng: 0269 3757575
- Tre Xanh: 0269 3716666.
5.2. Bus
Buses are also a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, suitable for those with little luggage. Depending on your route, you can choose suitable bus lines such as:
- Phú Sơn – Pleiku City Center
- BX Đức Long – Pleiku City Center
- Pleiku – Pleiku City
- Pleiku – Kon Tum.
5.3. Shuttle bus
If you are traveling with family or a large group, using a shuttle bus will be convenient and save quite a bit of cost. You can contact in advance to book a bus or buy tickets at service counters at the airport.
5.4. Motorbike taxi
In addition to the above options, there are also traditional motorbike taxis available at Pleiku Airport, serving almost 24/7. If you don't have much luggage, you can choose to travel by motorbike taxi, which is also very convenient. However, you should ask for the price in advance and negotiate skillfully.
6. Distance from Pleiku Airport to famous tourist destinations in Gia Lai
6.1. Distance from Pleiku Airport to Biển Hồ T’nưng
The first place you should not miss when visiting Pleiku is Biển Hồ. Biển Hồ is only 9 km from Pleiku Airport. It is considered the "eyes of Pleiku" and is a symbol of the city. Legend has it that Biển Hồ was once a volcanic crater but has been inactive for millions of years. Biển Hồ has incredibly beautiful scenery with emerald green water, surrounded by vast pine forests.
6.2. Distance from the airport to Hàm Rồng Mountain
Hàm Rồng Mountain is located on National Highway 14B, about 18 km from Pleiku Airport. With an elevation of 1028m, it is likened to the roof of Pleiku City. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Additionally, the summit is covered with clouds and mist, creating an incredibly romantic scene. A small note is that you should visit here in November, during the blooming season of Dã Quỳ flowers, which will create a vibrant yellow landscape in the Hàm Rồng region.
6.3. Distance from Pleiku Airport to Chín Tầng Waterfall
Chín Tầng Waterfall is located in La Sao Commune, Ia Grai District, Gia Lai Province, about 20 km from Pleiku Airport. The waterfall is divided into 9 separate tiers flowing down the rocky crevices below. Each tier has an average height of 5 - 10m. This is a favorite spot for many tourists due to its pristine beauty, reminiscent of a "fairyland".
Pleiku is truly an ideal destination for those who want to explore the pristine beauty of nature. I hope the article above will help you have wonderful experiences in Pleiku.
>> See more: Travel experience in Pleiku – Gia Lai self-sufficient A to Z: What to do, what to eat, and where to stay?
To update the flight schedule at Pleiku Airport, Gia Lai and the latest ticket prices for new flights, you can visit the website https://www.vietjetair.com/vi/ve-may-bay/ve-may-bay-di-pleiku/.
