(KPL) The official inauguration ceremony of Bokeo International Airport was held on March 6, 2026, marking an important step in strengthening aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity in northern Laos.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklay Sivilay, former Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, Bokeo Provincial Administrative Committee Chairman Soukphanchay Silaphet, and Director of Bokeo International Airport Thianthong Sipha, along with representatives from relevant sectors.

Located in Ban Yai Si Muang Ngam, Tonpheung District, Bokeo Province, about 5 km from the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, the airport was constructed from 2021 to 2023, while the passenger terminal began operations on February 5, 2024.

Classified as a medium-sized airport (Code 4C), the airport can accommodate aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The facility includes three taxiways, an apron with four aircraft parking stands, and modern equipment to support operations of ATR72, MA60, A320, and B737 aircraft.

The passenger terminal serves both domestic and international flights with 18 check-in counters, four boarding gates, and two aerobridges. At peak hours, it can handle up to 250 domestic passengers and 384 international passengers.

The airport is equipped with modern security systems, including X-ray screening machines, metal detectors, explosive trace detection equipment, and a 24-hour CCTV system. Currently, it employs 155 staff members and operates a fuel farm with a storage capacity of 400,000 liters.

Authorities expect the airport to support future domestic routes linking Bokeo with Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Houaphanh, Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet, and Champasak, as well as international routes to cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap.

During the ceremony, the International Airport Certificate was presented by the Civil Aviation Department to the airport management. The event concluded with a traditional nine-gong striking ritual symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the airport’s international operations.

KPL