VIENTIANE: The renovation of an airfield and terminal buildings in Haihin, Xieng Khuang province, is now 63 per cent complete.
A progress report on the project was delivered to a delegation from the Ministry of National Defence, led by Deputy Minister Lieutenant General Vongkham Phommakon, during a recent visit to the site.
Phase 1 of the reconstruction project began in March 2024.
The upgrade includes resurfacing of the runway with three layers of asphalt, which is expected to be complete in June, while the taxiway will be extended to 550 metres.
It is anticipated that the first phase of renovation will be complete by the end of this year.
The administration and operation of Xieng Khuang Airport were handed over to the Lao People’s Army Air Force in 2020.
The airport was originally established to serve national defence and public security needs, and was a vital transport link for the country’s leaders.
In recent years the airport has served as a northern transport link and is used mainly by tourists visiting the Plain of Jars Unesco World Heritage site.
Other renovation work includes the installation of an electronic scanner and lights on the runway, improvements to the radar system, and an upgrade of the passenger building.
The Department of Civil Aviation is working with the air force to inmprove the airport so that it is better equipped to accommodate the increasing number of passengers while also assisting with national defence. - Vientiane Times/ANN
