KPL
The Lao PDR is revising its Civil Aviation Law to align national regulations with international standards, strengthen aviation safety and security oversight, and address compliance gaps ahead of upcoming audits by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
(KPL) Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklai Sivilay presented the rationale for the amendments to the 2nd Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly in Vientiane on October 15, 2026.
The revised draft law updates the existing legislation, promulgated on June 26, 2018, to reflect developments in technology, socio-economic conditions and international aviation requirements. The current law comprises 18 parts, 27 chapters and 174 articles, while the revised draft contains 16 parts, 35 chapters and 189 articles.
A key objective is to prepare Laos for ICAO assessments under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and the Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP), and to address outstanding compliance issues.
The revision was undertaken under the government’s 2026–2030 law-making plan. A drafting committee established by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on March 5, 2026, consulted relevant agencies, conducted comparative studies in Cambodia and gathered feedback from central and local stakeholders. The draft was also reviewed by the Ministry of Justice, the government and relevant National Assembly committees.
The revised law covers aircraft and technical personnel, airports and air traffic, accident investigations, air transport, aviation safety, general aviation, unmanned aircraft, aviation businesses, regulatory management, inspections, fees, penalties and other related matters.
Once adopted and promulgated, the law is expected to strengthen the legal framework for meeting international aviation obligations, improve regulatory oversight and support the country’s Civil Aviation Development Strategy through 2030. It also aims to enhance safety, transparency and consumer protection while supporting investment and connectivity with regional and international aviation networks.
KPL
