1. Overview of Van Don Airport: Location and Potential

1.1. Where is Van Don Airport? Distance to Ha Long, Cam Pha

To know what flights Van Don Airport has, you should understand its geographical location to proactively arrange your travel itinerary. Van Don International Airport is located at 4CC8+4CG, Doan Ket, Van Don, Quang Ninh, about 55 km from the center of Ha Long and only 20 km to Cam Pha. Thanks to the connection via the Ha Long – Van Don expressway, it takes about 45 - 60 minutes for tourists to travel from the airport to Ha Long and only 20 - 25 minutes to Cam Pha.

This strategic location helps Van Don Airport become a true "gateway to the heritage region". Tourists can easily explore famous attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long, or tourist islands like Co To, Quan Lan. The developed inter-regional transport not only serves tourism but also supports economic development and investment for the entire Northeast region.

1.2. Outstanding Features of Van Don Airport

Van Don Airport boasts impressive specifications with ICAO 4E standards. The runway is 3,600 m long and 45 m wide, allowing it to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 777, and 787. The total area is 326 ha with an investment of nearly 7,500 billion VND, and the 27,000 m² terminal currently serves 2.5 million passengers per year.

What's special is the potential for future expansion, with projected capacity also tending to increase in the following years. As the first private airport in Vietnam, Van Don plays the role of a strategic backup point for Noi Bai while strongly supporting the tourism development of the Northeast. The modern space with 31 check-in counters and 7 aircraft parking positions ensures quick procedures and high-quality services for tourists.

Van Don Airport boasts impressive specifications with ICAO 4E standards.

2. What flights does Van Don Airport have throughout the year?

2.1. Regularly operated domestic routes

When tourists wonder which routes Van Don Airport has , the Van Don - Ho Chi Minh City route is the answer. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are operating this route with a frequency of 10 flights per week, operating from Tuesday to Sunday. During peak periods such as Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), the number of flights may increase to meet rising travel demands.

Besides the main route, other routes planned for reopening include Van Don - Da Nang , Van Don - Phu Quoc and potential connections to Nha Trang, Can Tho in the near future. Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to establish its main operating base at Van Don and launch ticket sales for new domestic routes from the end of 2025. This promises to bring many diverse options for tourists when planning to explore Quang Ninh.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways intends to establish its main operating base in Van Don and launch ticket sales for domestic routes. (Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper)

2.2. International Charter Flights

International charter flights are a notable highlight when exploring which flights are available at Van Don airport. Charter routes do not have fixed schedules but are actively operating to many attractive destinations. Taipei and Shenzhen (China) are two popular charter routes, serving tourism and business needs between the two countries.

The South Korean market is also attractive with charter flights to Busan and especially Jeju Island, expected to operate regularly from August 2024 and continue into 2025. Japan with destinations Osaka and Narita previously had charters and is likely to resume operations when sufficient group passengers are available. Notably, the Wuxi (China) - Van Don route has been operated with an expected 2 flights per week. However, charter schedules change according to group contracts and are not fixed like regular domestic routes.

2.3. Operating Schedule and Airlines Serving Van Don

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are the two main airlines operating the regular route Van Don – Ho Chi Minh City. These two airlines ensure stable service with modern aircraft and professional procedures. Sun PhuQuoc Airways is preparing to enter the market with plans to establish its main base in Van Don, promising to launch high-quality domestic and international routes from the end of 2025.

For international charter flights, airlines from China, South Korea, and Japan cooperate with travel partners to organize group flights. This cooperation helps ensure service quality and meet the specific requirements of each market. The diversity in operating airlines creates many price and service options for tourists when planning travel to Quang Ninh.

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are the two main airlines operating the regular Van Don – Ho Chi Minh City route. (Source: Collected)

3. Special notes on international flights at Van Don 2025

3.1. Are there regular international flights?

Currently, what international flights does Van Don airport have on a regular basis? The answer is that there are no regular international flights with fixed daily or weekly schedules. All international flights at Van Don are currently charters, serving tour groups or exploration trips under specific contracts with travel businesses. This depends entirely on group passenger volume and lacks the stability of domestic routes.

This situation is quite common at airports that are not major international transit hubs. However, Quang Ninh province is actively promoting the attraction of more international charter flights, creating a solid foundation for opening regular routes in the near future. The trend of tourism recovery after the pandemic and the development potential of the region promise positive progress.

3.2. Experience booking international charter tickets to/from Van Don

Booking international charter tickets requires a different approach compared to regular flight tickets. Travelers need to contact major travel companies directly or join available group tours. It is important to carefully check the specific weekly or monthly charter schedule, avoiding the misconception of having fixed flight schedules like domestic routes.

When booking charter tickets, clearly confirm the departure date, exact destination, ticket conditions, and included services. Information about necessary documents, visa (if required), and entry procedures for each specific route needs to be clarified with the organizing unit. It is especially important to note that international charters do not have the flexibility to change schedules like regular flight tickets, so careful consideration is required before making a decision.

3.3. Operational status after Covid-19 and special periods

During the Covid-19 period, Van Don airport demonstrated its large-scale organizational capacity by becoming an important destination for repatriation flights, medical flights, and international executive flights. This proves the airport's good quarantine capabilities and infrastructure meeting high requirements in special situations.

Currently, the airport is maintaining momentum in attracting charters and actively promoting the reopening of international markets after the pandemic. The number of international flights is gradually recovering with increasing travel demand. The important role in international connectivity and support for emergency situations has built credibility and trust for international airlines when choosing Van Don as a destination.

4. Guide to traveling from Van Don airport to prominent attractions

After knowing what flights Van Don airport has, planning transportation from the airport to attractions is the next important step. From the airport to Ha Long, visitors can choose taxis or travel via the highway, taking about 45-60 minutes for a distance of 55 km. The Ha Long – Van Don expressway is modernly invested, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the journey.

For Cam Pha, the shorter distance of only 20 km helps visitors save travel time, taking 20-25 minutes by taxi or service car. The Ha Long – Van Don bus route is also a supplementary option for budget-conscious travelers. These diverse options allow visitors to choose flexibly according to their budget and time plan.

Vehicle services at Van Don airport are quite diverse and convenient. Taxis operate right at the terminal entrance with many major companies ensuring service quality. Airport shuttle buses provide connection services to fixed pick-up/drop-off points in Ha Long, Bai Chay, Cam Pha with reference prices from 30,000 – 100,000 VND per trip depending on the route and vehicle type. Group travelers can book entire vehicles through travel agencies to optimize costs and travel time. It is advisable to ask for prices in advance, use reputable ride-hailing apps, and keep receipts to ensure safety during travel.

5. Booking experience and important notes when flying from Van Don

5.1. How far in advance should tickets be booked?

The booking time directly affects prices and seat availability when researching what flights Van Don airport has. During the peak season from May to August, Tet Nguyen Dan, and major tourism festivals in Quang Ninh, travelers should book tickets 2-4 weeks in advance to ensure availability and get the best prices. High demand during these times often leads to increased ticket prices and limited availability.

Outside of peak season, travelers can be more flexible with bookings but are still advised to book 1-2 weeks in advance for more options on flight times and prices. When booking, carefully check the change or cancellation conditions of each airline, as each has different policies. Understanding these regulations helps travelers proactively adjust plans if necessary.

5.2. Notes when flying international charters to/from Van Don

International charters have specific characteristics that travelers need to pay close attention to. Visa requirements when flying to countries like China and South Korea must be carefully checked, and passports must be valid for more than 6 months from the departure date. Charter schedules may change due to insufficient group passenger numbers, so confirmation close to the departure date with the organizing unit is necessary.

Necessary documents are usually communicated specifically by the tour company, but travelers should request written confirmation of services and detailed itineraries to avoid surprises. Change or cancellation conditions for charters are often stricter than regular tickets, so careful consideration is needed before committing. Thorough preparation of documents and understanding the conditions will ensure a smooth trip.

5.3. Facilities at Van Don airport for travelers

Van Don airport is modernly designed with full facilities to serve travelers. The system of 31 check-in counters ensures minimal waiting time, and the spacious lounge area provides a comfortable space before boarding. Dining services, restaurants, and local specialty retail outlets allow travelers to explore the flavors of Quang Ninh right at the airport.

VIP lounges are available for travelers with premium needs, professional baggage assistance services, and taxi counters right at the arrivals hall for maximum convenience. Notably, the airport provides full support services for passengers with disabilities, children, and priority services according to international airport standards. These facilities ensure a perfect experience for all types of travelers using services at Van Don.

Van Don Airport is modernly designed with full amenities for tourists. (Source: Collected)

6. Suggestions for combining experiences with nearby tourist attractions

Planning optimally after knowing which flights are available at Van Don Airport will help maximize exploration time.

Day 1

Morning: Fly to Van Don Airport, travel to Ha Long. Explore Sun World Ha Long with its modern, diverse, and famous entertainment game system.

Noon: Have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy Ha Long specialties.

Afternoon: Visit Quang Ninh Museum to learn about local history and culture.

Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant in Ha Long.

Day 2

Morning: Move to the pier and start the island exploration journey. Choose to visit the pristine Bai Tu Long Bay, Quan Lan Island or Minh Chau with beautiful beaches, or Co To with its peaceful scenery.

Noon: Eat fresh seafood at an island restaurant or enjoy local specialties.

Afternoon: Continue sightseeing and experiencing island activities. Then return to the pier to move back to the mainland.

Evening: From the pier, return to Van Don Airport, concluding the Quang Ninh exploration journey.

Discover Sun World Ha Long with a modern, diverse, and famous entertainment game system.

If you are wondering what flights are available at Van Don airport, updating the specific schedule will help you easily choose a suitable itinerary. This airport boasts a convenient location, modern infrastructure, and an increasing number of domestic and international connecting routes. As a result, Van Don airport will surely become an ideal destination for your trip to Quang Ninh and surrounding areas.