Wattay International Airport

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Proximity to the city. This is one of Wattay's main advantages. The airport is located just 3-5 kilometres from the centre, allowing you to reach most hotels in 15–20 minutes. The journey is not tiring, and the taxi fare is fixed and paid at a special counter inside the terminal, eliminating the need to bargain.

Compactness and clear navigation. The airport is small but very well planned. The international and domestic terminals are within walking distance of each other. It is practically impossible to get lost here, and passing through passport control and baggage claim usually takes minimal time compared to major airports in the region.

Modern infrastructure. Despite its modest size, the airport has undergone extensive modernisation with support from Japan. The terminals are clean, bright, and equipped with air conditioning. Travellers have access to currency exchange with reasonable rates, counters of local mobile operators for purchasing SIM cards, Duty Free shops, and cosy coffee shops where you can have a snack before your flight.

Below you will find current contact information for Wattay International Airport (VTE), which will help you plan your trip and promptly resolve any issues that may arise. The data has been verified based on official information from the airport operator, L-JATS.

• Official Operator Website: www.l-jats.com (Lao-Japan Airport Terminal Services)
• Information Service Phone: +856 21 513 300 (for general inquiries and flight information)
• Airport Address: Souphanouvong Avenue, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, Lao P.D.R.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news and updates on the official page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: First and foremost, we recommend contacting your airline's representative. Additionally, you can contact the airport's Lost & Found service by phone: +856 21 513 300 (extension 1199).
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with general questions, please use the main airport information service phone number.

Getting to Wattay International Airport (VTE) from the centre of Vientiane is effortless, as it is located just a few kilometres from the main tourist districts. Depending on your budget, time, and amount of luggage, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Public Transport is the most economical option. A special shuttle bus runs between the airport and the central bus station, passing through key points in the city. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those wishing to save money. The trip usually takes about 30-40 minutes, and the ticket price is very affordable.

Taxi and Transfer are the fastest and most comfortable methods. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take just 15-25 minutes. You can hail a car on the street, order one via an app (if available), or ask at your hotel reception. Besides regular taxis, you can also reach the airport on a colourful local tuk-tuk. In both cases, it is recommended to agree on the fare in advance or ensure the driver uses the meter.

For those who value independence, car rental is an excellent solution. Many rental agencies offer the service of returning the car directly at the airport, which is very convenient. Wattay International Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking where you can leave personal or rented vehicles.

When planning a trip around Laos and neighbouring countries, it is worth noting that there are other air hubs in relative proximity. For example, the tourist-popular Udon Thani International Airport in Thailand is located just 70 km from Vientiane and can serve as a convenient starting point for further flights across the region.

Wattay International Airport (VTE) is the main aerial gateway to Laos, located in the country's capital, Vientiane. The airport features a simple and clear structure, making it convenient for travellers. It consists of two main terminals located in immediate proximity to one another.

The main passenger flow is distributed between the new international terminal and the old domestic terminal. The international terminal, opened in 2018, handles all flights outside of Laos. It is more modern, spacious, and equipped with all necessary amenities, including duty-free shops, cafes, currency exchange points, and business lounges. The domestic terminal, located in the older building, is intended for flights within the country — to cities such as Luang Prabang, Pakse, and others. It is significantly smaller and more modest in terms of services.

The airport layout is extremely clear. The terminals are a few minutes' walk from each other, so no special transport is required to transfer between them. Navigation is intuitive thanks to signs in Lao and English. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. In the international terminal, the departure zone is on the upper floor, and the arrival zone is on the lower floor. Procedures are standard: check-in, passport control (for international flights), security screening, and boarding.

Passing through all formalities at Wattay Airport usually does not take much time thanks to its compact size and relatively low congestion. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2–2.5 hours before an international flight and 1–1.5 hours before a domestic one. This time will be sufficient to calmly complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without unnecessary haste.

The history of Wattay International Airport (VTE) is closely intertwined with the history of Vientiane itself and all of Laos. Its roots go back to the French colonial period when a small airfield was built on this site for administrative and military needs. Initially, it was a simple runway, which over time evolved into the country's main aviation hub.

A significant stage in the airport's development occurred in the mid-20th century. During this period, its infrastructure was substantially expanded and modernised to accommodate larger and heavier aircraft. The airport began to play a key role as an important transport hub in the region, serving both civil and special flights, which contributed to its further development.

After 1975, Wattay officially became the country's main international gateway. However, the real breakthrough in its modernisation occurred in the 21st century. In 2018, a large-scale reconstruction carried out with the support of Japan was completed. Within the framework of this project, a new modern international terminal was built, and the old one was refitted to serve domestic flights. This allowed not only for increasing the capacity to several million passengers per year but also for radically improving the quality of service.

An interesting fact: Wattay Airport retains its dual purpose to this day. In addition to serving commercial airlines, it is also a base for the Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force. Its runway is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, parallel to the Mekong River, making the views during takeoff and landing particularly picturesque.

Wattay International Airport (VTE) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminals, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can have a snack or drink a cup of coffee, as well as shops, including Duty Free, featuring souvenirs, local goods, and products from global brands. For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a calmer environment, premium lounges are available.

To stay connected, passengers can use free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, as well as find stations for charging electronic devices. For financial matters, there are ATMs and currency exchange points where you can exchange money for Lao kip. In case of unforeseen situations, a medical centre operates at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for passengers with small children, and a barrier-free environment has been created for people with disabilities, including ramps and specially equipped toilets. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many hotels of various levels are located just a few minutes' drive away. Basic business services may be available for business travellers, but for full-fledged conference rooms, it is better to contact nearby hotels.

At Wattay International Airport (VTE), passengers have access to several dining options, allowing for both a quick snack and a full meal while waiting for a flight. The main establishments are concentrated in the international terminal, while the selection in the domestic terminal is more modest.

Most cafes and restaurants are located in the public zone before passport control (landside), which is convenient for those seeing someone off and those who arrived at the airport early. Here you can find establishments offering both local dishes and familiar international options. After passing security control, in the departure zone (airside), the choice is usually limited to small coffee shops and snack bars where you can buy drinks, sandwiches, and pastries.

If you want to experience Lao cuisine, look for cafes serving traditional dishes, such as hearty noodle soup or sticky rice with meat. This is a great opportunity to enjoy local flavours before departure. For those who prefer something more familiar, coffee, croissants, and other snacks are always available.

Coffee shops scattered across both terminals are ideal for a quick bite. If you have more time to spare, it is worth visiting one of the restaurants in the public zone of the international terminal for a more substantial lunch. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level. Regarding special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free dishes), it is better to check directly with the staff at the establishments, as specialised menus may be unavailable.

Most dining outlets operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft. However, some establishments may be closed at night, so it is worth planning your visit in advance.

Wattay International Airport (VTE) is the main aerial gateway to Vientiane, the capital of hospitable Laos. To ensure your journey begins and proceeds smoothly, take advantage of these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Wattay Airport is not very large, but we still recommend arriving 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This will give you a buffer in case of queues. Check-in and security procedures are standard. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this service.

Hand Luggage and Customs Control. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag; a ban on sharp objects and flammable substances. Power banks are permitted only in hand luggage. Customs control usually proceeds quickly. Have your passport and completed declaration form ready, which is often distributed on the plane.

In-flight Comfort and Transfers. Want the best seats on the plane? Book them in advance during online check-in. Window seats will allow you to enjoy views of the Mekong River during takeoff and landing. If you have a transfer in Vientiane, navigating the compact terminal will not cause difficulties. For long layovers where you wish to go into the city, check in advance if you need a visa.

Saving Time and Money. Order a taxi to the city via one of the mobile apps or at the official counter in the arrival hall — this is often more favourable than the services of private drivers. It is better to exchange only a small amount at the airport for pocket expenses, as the exchange rate in the city is generally more attractive.

In Case of Flight Delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for current information, as well as clarification regarding meals or accommodation. There are several cafes and shops in the waiting lounge, but their selection is limited. Having travel insurance can significantly simplify solving problems related to long delays.