Where is cxr airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: CXR is the IATA code for Cam Ranh International Airport, located in Cam Ranh, Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam. The airport opened in 2004 and handled over 8.5 million passengers in 2023, serving as a major gateway to Vietnam's central coastal region, including popular destinations like Nha Trang.

Key Facts

CXR is the IATA code for Cam Ranh International Airport in Vietnam
The airport opened in 2004 with an initial capacity of 2 million passengers annually
It handled over 8.5 million passengers in 2023
The airport has a single 3,048-meter runway (10,000 feet)
It serves as a hub for Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air

Overview

Cam Ranh International Airport (IATA: CXR) is a major aviation facility located in Cam Ranh, Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam. Situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Nha Trang, this airport serves as the primary gateway to Vietnam's central coastal region, which includes popular tourist destinations like Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, and the surrounding areas. The airport's strategic location makes it crucial for both tourism and economic development in central Vietnam.

The airport's history dates back to its origins as a military airbase during the Vietnam War, when it was known as Cam Ranh Air Base and used extensively by United States and South Vietnamese forces. After the war, the facility remained under military control until the late 1990s when plans for conversion to civilian use began. The current international airport officially opened in 2004, marking a significant transformation from military installation to civilian aviation hub.

How It Works

Cam Ranh International Airport operates as a modern aviation facility with comprehensive passenger and cargo services.

Terminal Operations: The airport features two main terminals - Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international operations. Terminal 2, opened in 2018, covers 46,000 square meters and can handle up to 8 million passengers annually. Both terminals are equipped with modern amenities including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and efficient baggage handling systems.
Runway and Air Traffic: The airport operates with a single 3,048-meter (10,000-foot) runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft including Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s. The runway orientation (04/22) accommodates prevailing wind conditions, and the airport operates 24/7 with modern navigation aids including ILS (Instrument Landing System) for precision approaches in various weather conditions.
Airlines and Routes: CXR serves as a hub for Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, with regular domestic connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other Vietnamese cities. International routes include direct flights to major Asian cities such as Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, and several Chinese destinations including Shanghai and Guangzhou. The airport hosts over 20 airlines operating scheduled services.
Cargo and Logistics: The airport features dedicated cargo facilities handling approximately 20,000 tons of cargo annually. These facilities support Vietnam's growing export economy, particularly for seafood and agricultural products from the central coastal region. The cargo terminal includes cold storage facilities and modern handling equipment for efficient operations.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Cam Ranh International (CXR)	Da Nang International (DAD)
Annual Passenger Traffic (2023)	8.5 million passengers	16.9 million passengers
Runway Length	3,048 meters (10,000 feet)	3,048 meters (10,000 feet)
Terminal Capacity	8 million passengers annually	13 million passengers annually
International Airlines	Over 20 airlines	Over 30 airlines
Cargo Volume (2023)	20,000 tons	45,000 tons
Distance to Major City	30 km to Nha Trang	3 km to Da Nang city center

Why It Matters

Tourism Impact: Cam Ranh International Airport serves as the primary entry point for tourists visiting Vietnam's central coast, which welcomed over 5 million international visitors in 2023. The airport's growth has directly contributed to the development of Nha Trang as one of Vietnam's top tourist destinations, with tourism accounting for approximately 70% of the local economy in Khanh Hoa Province.
Economic Development: The airport supports regional economic growth by facilitating trade and investment in central Vietnam. It has attracted numerous international hotel chains and resort developments in the Cam Ranh area, with over $2 billion invested in tourism infrastructure since the airport's opening. The airport also creates direct employment for approximately 2,000 people and supports thousands more in related industries.
Strategic Importance: As Vietnam's third busiest airport by international passenger traffic, CXR plays a crucial role in the country's aviation network. It helps distribute air traffic away from congested hubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City while supporting the government's strategy to develop central Vietnam as an economic and tourism corridor. The airport's military heritage also gives it strategic importance for national security.

Looking forward, Cam Ranh International Airport is positioned for continued growth as Vietnam's tourism industry expands and regional economic development accelerates. With plans for further terminal expansion and infrastructure improvements, the airport aims to increase its capacity to 12 million passengers annually by 2030. This development will support Vietnam's goal of becoming a major aviation hub in Southeast Asia while driving sustainable economic growth in the central coastal region. The airport's success demonstrates how strategic infrastructure investment can transform regional economies and connect Vietnam more closely with global markets.