Airports in Laos

Laos, or the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is the only landlocked country in Southeastern Asia. It is a mountainous country known for its French colonialist architecture and Buddhist monasteries. If planning a trip, it is good to know that there are 23 airports in Laos in total, but only 9 of them are commercial. At the end of the post, you will also find a map of all commercial airports in Laos for easier navigation.

Wattay Airport – IATA code VTE

~ 1.3 million passengers

Wattay International Airport is the biggest airport and one of few international airports in Laos. It serves the city of Vientiane, the country’s capital, and is located approximately 3 kilometers from the city centre. The airport is operated by the Lao Airport Authority and it has three passenger terminals as well as one cargo terminal. It is served by numerous airlines, the main ones being Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway, and AirAsia. The most popular international routes include flights to Bangkok, Beijing, and Seoul.

As to ground transportation, there are several options available. The airport is served by both public and private airport bus transfer services. In addition, car rental services are available at the airport as well as official airport taxi services that can be found just outside the arrivals hall.

Luang Prabang Airport – IATA code LPQ

~ 220 000 passengers

Luang Prabang International Airport is the second largest and the second busiest airport in Laos. It is an international airport serving the city of Luang Prabang, located approximately 4 kilometers from the city centre. The airport has one terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. There are several airlines serving the airport, the main ones being Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway. The most popular flights are the ones to Vientiane and Bangkok.

Unfortunately, the airport is not connected to the city centre by public transport. However, there are two alternative options. The airport offers a shared minibus service and the ticket costs around € 4 per person. The second option is to get a tuk-tuk. However, they are not licensed to pick up travellers at the airport. In order to get a tuk-tuk, you have to walk from the airport to the main road (approximately 100 meters) and the ride usually costs around € 2 per person. The journey should take around 15 minutes.

Pakse Airport – IATA code PKZ

Pakse International Airport is an international airport located in the Champasak province in southwestern Laos. It is serving the city of Pakse and is located approximately 5 kilometers north of the city center. The airport is operated by the Military of Laos / Civil Aviation Authority and it has one runway. There are two airlines serving the airport, Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway. The most common flights are the ones to and from Vientiane.

To get to the city center, there are two options available. You can get a taxi which will cost around € 8, or you can get a tuk-tuk which will cost you around € 3,60. The journey should take approximately 15 minutes. Other nearby cities include Savannakhet and Attapeu.

Other airports in Laos

Savannakhet Airport – IATA code – ZVK

Airline(s): Lao Airlines
Nearby city(s): Savannakhet (Kaysone Phomvihane), Pakse

Luang Namtha Airport – IATA code – LXG

Also called: Louang Namtha Airport, Louangnamtha Airport
Airline(s): Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway
Nearby city(s): Luang Namtha, Muang Xai

Oudomsay Airport – IATA code – ODY

Also called: Oudomxay Airport
Airline(s): Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway
Nearby city(s): Oudomxai (Oudomxay, Muang Xay), Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang

Xieng Khouang Airport – IATA code – XKH

Airline(s): Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway
Nearby city(s): Phonsavan

Nathong Airport – IATA code – NEU

Also called: Sam Neua Airport
Airline(s): Lao Skyway
Nearby city(s): Xam Neua (Sam Neua)

Phongsaly Boun Neua Airport – IATA code – PCQ

Also called: Phongsali Airport, Bounneau Airport
Airline(s): Lao Skyway
Nearby city(s): Boun Neua, Phongsali (Phongsaly), Muang Xai