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Laos's primary international gateway serving the capital Vientiane.
Opened
1950s
Location
Vientiane, Laos
Wattay International Airport is the principal airport of Laos, located in Vientiane, the nation's capital. It serves as the main hub for both domestic and international air travel within the country, connecting Laos to regional destinations across Southeast Asia and beyond.
The airport underwent significant expansion and modernization in the 2000s and 2010s, including the opening of a new international terminal in 2009 to accommodate growing passenger traffic. Despite its status as the country's busiest airport, it remains a relatively small facility compared to major regional hubs.
Wattay handles the majority of international arrivals into Laos, serving tourists, business travelers, and diplomatic personnel. It is operated by Airports of Laos and plays a central role in the country's tourism and economic development strategies.
Terminals
The airport has two terminals — a domestic terminal and a larger international terminal opened in 2009 — handling separate streams of passenger traffic.
Getting to & from
Ground transport into central Vientiane includes taxis, tuk-tuks, and bus services, with the city center located approximately 4 kilometers from the airport.
Airlines here
Major airlines operating at Wattay include Lao Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Thai AirAsia, and AirAsia.
Notable facts
- ›Wattay is the busiest airport in Laos by passenger volume.
- ›The international terminal opened in 2009 as part of a major expansion project.
- ›Lao Airlines, the national carrier, uses Wattay as its primary hub.
- ›The airport is located approximately 4 km northwest of downtown Vientiane.
- ›Wattay has served military and civilian purposes since at least the 1950s, including during the Vietnam War era.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
