VIENTIANE: The government is seeking to strengthen civil aviation safety oversight and modernise sector management through amendments to the Law on Civil Aviation, aligning national regulations with international standards and preparing for upcoming audits by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklai Sivilay presented the rationale for amending the law to members of the National Assembly (NA) on Thursday (Oct 15), in a session chaired by NA Vice President Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham.
Leklai said the existing law, promulgated in 2018, no longer fully reflected economic and social developments or the rapid evolution of aviation standards.
Practical experience had revealed gaps in the regulatory framework, including the need for clearer rules and responsibilities among the various stakeholders involved in aviation management.
The proposed amendments are intended to create a more comprehensive and enforceable legal framework, improve coordination among relevant agencies and ensure that civil aviation businesses operate safely and transparently.
The proposed revision comprises 16 parts, 35 chapters and 189 articles, compared with 18 parts, 27 chapters and 174 articles in the 2018 edition of the law. Of the articles in the draft, 28 remain unchanged, 126 have been revised and 35 are new.
A key objective is to help the government address outstanding findings and prepare for two upcoming ICAO assessments: the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme and the Universal Security Audit Programme.
The amendments are expected to provide a stronger legal basis for meeting Laos’ international obligations and complying with ICAO standards and recommended practices.
The revision follows the government’s five-year legislative drafting and amendment plan for 2026-2030.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport established a committee to revise the law in March 2026. The committee considered Cambodia’s experience and held consultations at the central and local levels of government before the draft underwent review by relevant government and National Assembly bodies.
Under the proposed law, the Department of Civil Aviation would have a clearer and stronger role as the authority responsible for overall sector management. Effective implementation would require adequate budget allocations, specialised aviation personnel and strict law enforcement.
The amendments cover aircraft, aviation technical personnel, airports and airfields, air traffic, accident and incident investigations, air transport, aviation safety, unmanned aircraft and civil aviation businesses.
Once adopted and promulgated, the law is expected to support the implementation of Laos’ Vision to 2030 and Civil Aviation Development Strategy to 2030.
It is also intended to improve protection for aviation users and property, facilitate socio-economic development, and encourage greater participation by private investors.
The government expects the revised law to strengthen aviation safety and security, improve transparency and accountability, and create a more modern regulatory environment capable of supporting the long-term development of civil aviation in Laos.
During the 13-day session, running from Oct 5 to 21 at the National Assembly’s main meeting hall, lawmakers are debating draft new laws and amendments to existing legislation, reviewing the country’s economic performance, and considering the state budget and monetary plan for 2026 and the year ahead. - Vientiane Times/ANN
