On the morning of February 17, 2026 (the first day of the Lunar New Year – Year of the Fire Horse), in the vibrant atmosphere of the year’s opening day, Da Nang joyfully welcomed its very first “lucky” visitors of 2026 at the Southern Landscape Platform on the west bank of Dragon Bridge and the International Arrivals Terminal – Da Nang International Airport.
The Binh Ngo 2026 Tourism Spring Opening Ceremony spread the message “Touching the Original Essence,” while honoring the beauty of Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year and reaffirming Da Nang’s position as a safe, friendly, and dynamic destination ready to accelerate into the new year.
Spreading the Spirit of Vietnamese Lunar New Year at the International Tourism Gateway
On the morning of February 17, 2026 (the first day of the Lunar New Year – Year of the Fire Horse), the spirit of spring filled Da Nang International Airport with the lively rhythms of festival drums, vibrant lion dances, and the auspicious red of lucky envelopes marking the start of the new year.
Flight FD634 from Bangkok (Thailand), carrying more than 200 visitors, arrived in the city for sightseeing and leisure during the first days of the Lunar New Year.
At the International Arrivals Terminal, representatives of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, together with relevant agencies — including the Da Nang International Airport Border Police, the Airport Customs Branch of Da Nang International Airport, the Airports Authority of Vietnam – Central Region, Da Nang International Airport, and Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company — presented flowers, souvenirs, and service experience vouchers to five lucky passengers on the flight.
All arriving passengers were also invited to take part in a traditional spring “lộc” picking activity and received special gifts imbued with the essence of Vietnamese Lunar New Year, such as conical hats, lanterns, coffee, coconut cakes, and tourism publications.
The New Year welcoming activities helped create a friendly and warm first impression right at the city’s aviation gateway, while spreading the image of Da Nang as a dynamic and hospitable destination to international friends.
A Festive Spring Atmosphere in the Heart of the City
In parallel with the welcoming activities at Da Nang International Airport, the city center area (the park on the southern side of the west bank of Dragon Bridge, Hai Chau Ward – opposite the Museum of Cham Sculpture) was also immersed in the vibrant colors of spring, featuring a series of Lunar New Year welcome and cultural experience activities for visiting tourist groups.
The program was held in a lively and festive atmosphere, highlighted by energetic lion and dragon dance performances that created a joyful and bustling spirit from the very first moments of the new year.
Visitors were presented with souvenirs and lucky red envelopes for the Lunar New Year, invited to take part in the traditional spring “lộc” picking ritual, and enjoyed check-in moments at the vibrant flower street space in the heart of the city.
In addition, a variety of traditional Tet cultural experiences offered guests an authentic insight into Vietnamese springtime customs and traditions, helping to spread the distinctive cultural values of Da Nang to both domestic and international friends.
The program welcomed more than 300 domestic and international visitors from travel companies, along with a large number of independent travelers, creating a warm, friendly, and memorable spring atmosphere.
The event not only enhanced visitors’ experiences during the Lunar New Year holiday but also further affirmed the image of Da Nang as a dynamic, hospitable, and culturally rich destination in the very first days of the new year.
Mr. Tan Van Vuong – Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism – stated:
“Organizing simultaneous welcome activities at both the aviation gateway and the city center demonstrates Da Nang’s proactiveness and professionalism in event organization, service delivery, and enhancing the destination experience. In 2026, the city’s tourism sector will continue to effectively tap into key markets, refresh tourism products, improve service quality, and build a distinctive and culturally rich image of Da Nang. With the orientation ‘Touching the Original Essence,’ we hope that every visitor to Da Nang will truly feel authentic and inspiring values.”
Information on Air Arrivals to Da Nang during the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse
According to information from Da Nang International Airport, Chu Lai Airport, and Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company, during the Lunar New Year holiday of the Fire Horse (from February 14 to February 22, 2026 – 9 days from the 27th day of the last lunar month to the 6th day of the first lunar month), the total number of flights arriving in Da Nang is estimated at over 1,500 flights. This represents an increase of more than 400 flights (equivalent to 36%) compared to the Lunar New Year holiday of 2025, with an average frequency of 173 flights per day (an estimated increase of 46 flights per day compared to the 2025 holiday period), including:
Domestic flights:
- Estimated at 829 flights, up 27% compared to the same period in 2025
- An average of 92 flights per day (an increase of 19 flights per day compared to the 2025 Lunar New Year)
- Expected to welcome approximately 125,000 passengers, up 22% year-on-year
International flights:
- Estimated at 732 flights, up 47% compared to the same period in 2025
- An average of 81 flights per day (an increase of 26 flights per day compared to the 2025 Lunar New Year)
- Expected to welcome approximately 130,000 passengers, up 50% year-on-year
These positive figures demonstrate the strong recovery and steady growth momentum of Da Nang’s tourism sector, particularly in the international market segment. They are considered an important foundation for the city to further intensify market promotion efforts, expand air routes, and enhance service quality throughout 2026.
DA NANG DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM
