Operational

Pleiku Airport

Pleiku, Vietnam

PXU VVPK

Airport Information

Country Vietnam
Continent Asia
ICAO/IATA VVPK / PXU
Elevation 2434 ft (742m)
Coordinates 14.0045, 108.0170

Current Weather

Weather
20.3°C
Sunny
March 15
08:53
Local Time
11.5
km/h NE
10
km visibility
64%
humidity

Runways

Runway 09/27

ASP
Length 7,874 ft (2400m)
Width 148 ft (45m)
Surface ASP
Status
Operational

About Pleiku Airport

Pleiku Air Base was a major United States military base located near Pleiku in the Central Highlands of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. At its peak, the base was home to over 10,000 military personnel and was a key hub for American air operations in the region.

The construction of Pleiku Air Base began in 1962 and was completed in 1965. The base had a 10,000-foot runway, which allowed for the operation of large military aircraft like the C-130 Hercules and the B-52 bomber. In addition to the runway, the base also had numerous aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, barracks, and administrative buildings.

One of the main functions of Pleiku Air Base was to provide logistical support for American military operations in the region. The base served as a hub for the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies to other military bases in Vietnam. Additionally, Pleiku Air Base was used as a launching point for bombing raids against North Vietnamese targets.

Pleiku Air Base was also home to a number of different military units during the Vietnam War. The base was initially controlled by the United States Air Force, but it was later turned over to the United States Army's 4th Infantry Division. The base was also used by the South Vietnamese Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force.

One of the most significant events in the history of Pleiku Air Base was the Tet Offensive in 1968. During the offensive, the base came under attack from North Vietnamese forces who managed to breach the perimeter and inflict heavy casualties on American and South Vietnamese troops. The attack was eventually repelled, but it demonstrated the vulnerability of the base to large-scale enemy attacks.

Despite the challenges posed by the Tet Offensive and other enemy actions, Pleiku Air Base remained operational throughout the Vietnam War. The base played a key role in supporting American military operations in the region and was an important strategic asset for the United States.

After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, Pleiku Air Base was turned over to the Vietnamese government. Today, the base is no longer in use by the military and has been largely abandoned. Many of the buildings and facilities at the base have fallen into disrepair, and the runway is no longer in use.

In conclusion, Pleiku Air Base was a key military installation during the Vietnam War that played a significant role in supporting American military operations in the region. The base was home to thousands of military personnel and was a critical logistical hub for the transportation of troops and supplies. While the base is no longer in use today, its legacy lives on as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served there during the Vietnam War.