Last year the airport handled about 1.8 million passengers while earlier it was expected that the number of travellers via Wattay Airport would reach 1.5 million by 2025. This speedy growth prompts the immediate necessity of construction of the second terminal to meet the demand of air travellers.
The expansion project of the airport is well underway already. When completed, the airport will get more immigration booths for both departing and arriving passengers, 11 new escalators and 9 elevators installed. The number of runways will be doubled from 3 to 6, and two more luggage carousels will bring the total number to 4. It is also planned to upgrade facilities to better accommodate larger type aircrafts like Boeing 747’s. The airport is waiting for completion of a new hangar and a taxiway. Airport access roads and parking areas are also being given a facelift. These upgrades will bring the estimated capacity of the airpot to 3 million passengers a year.
In August 2018, the renovation of the airport's domestic terminal was completed. It was financed by a soft loan from the government of Japan and now offers a higher level of comfort for passengers.
Vientiane's Airport to Get Second Terminal
News in Asia
With number of passengers travelling to and from Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport in Laos constantly increasing, plans for a second terminal in the capital of Laos' air haven are being pushed forward.