KPL
(KPL) The Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital will have its main passenger building expanded to ensure it can accommodate an increased number of passengers in years to come.
The number of passengers has been increasing rapidly over recent years from 500,000 passengers in 2011 to 1.1 million last year, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
![](https://kpl.gov.la/Media/Upload/News/Thumb/2015/10/14/WATTAY-AIR.jpg)
Wattay International Airport, Vientiane Capital.
By Manythone
(KPL) The Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital will have its main passenger building expanded to ensure it can accommodate an increased number of passengers in years to come.
The number of passengers has been increasing rapidly over recent years from 500,000 passengers in 2011 to 1.1 million last year, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
The annual number of passengers is expected to reach 2.8 million by 2028 as the number of investors and visitors to Laos is currently on an increasing trend.
The Japanese ODA-funded expansion project, costing more than 490 billion kip (about US$61 million), is expected to be completed within 32 months.
The expansion project will also involve the expansion of domestic and international passenger terminals and the parking area.
A contract on the expansion project was signed on 12 October in Vientiane Capital between the Director of the Department of Civil Aviation, Mr Yakua Lopangkao and representative of the Hazama Ando Corporation, Mr Hideo Matsumoto.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Dr Bounchan Sinthavong, the Japanese Ambassador to Laos Mr Hiroyuki Kishino, and the Chief Representative of the JICA Lao Office, Mr Yusuke Murakami.
KPL