Director General of the International Finance and Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Vongkhamheng Vongthachack, shakes hands with the Chief Representative of JICA Laos, Ms Kobayashi Miyako, after they signed an amended grant agreement on Thursday.

Additional JPY 1 billion to enhance capacity, safety and passenger experience at Wattay Int’l Airport

The Ministry of Finance and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have formalised an amendment to their grant agreement, providing an additional JPY 1 billion for the ongoing improvement of Vientiane International Airport, commonly known as Wattay International Airport, reinforcing a flagship infrastructure project that serves as a gateway connecting Laos to the world.
The signing follows the exchange of revised diplomatic notes between the Governments of Laos and Japan on August 5. The amended Grant Agreement, signed between JICA and the Ministry of Finance of the Lao PDR, brings Japan’s total grant assistance for the project to JPY 3.863 billion.
The additional funding will support the successful completion of the airport improvement project, helping to deliver its intended benefits, including expanded capacity of the international passenger terminal, enhanced airport safety standards, and improved convenience and comfort for travellers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Director General of the International Finance and Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Vongkhamheng Vongthachack, expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support for infrastructure development in Laos.
He noted that the project aligns with the country’s 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030) and will strengthen regional and international connectivity through the modernisation of Laos’ principal international gateway.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan and JICA for their unwavering partnership and continued assistance. This additional funding demonstrates Japan’s strong commitment to supporting the development of key infrastructure in Laos. The upgraded Wattay International Airport will play an important role in facilitating connectivity, tourism, trade and investment, contributing to the country’s long-term economic growth,” he said.
Mr Vongkhamheng added that the project includes the expansion of the international terminal, rehabilitation of taxiways and aprons, and installation of a new airfield lighting system, which will enhance passenger services, strengthen aviation safety, increase airport capacity, and support Laos’ aspiration of becoming a regional transport link.
The Chief Representative of JICA Laos, Ms Kobayashi Miyako, emphasised the strategic importance of Wattay International Airport as Laos’ principal international airport and a key gateway connecting the country with regional and global destinations.
“This project is not simply about improving airport facilities. It is about making air travel safer and more convenient, welcoming more visitors to Laos, and strengthening connections between the people of Laos, Japan, and the rest of the world”, she said.
She further expressed confidence that the upgraded airport would remain a lasting symbol of the strong friendship and partnerships between Japan and Laos built on trust—what we call “people-to-people cooperation”.
The airport improvement project forms part of the longstanding development cooperation between Laos and Japan, aimed at strengthening transport infrastructure and supporting the country’s growing integration into the regional and international community.
Once completed, the upgraded facilities are expected to significantly improve passenger handling capacity, operational efficiency, and overall service quality, enabling Wattay International Airport to better accommodate future growth in international travel while providing a safer and more comfortable experience for passengers.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 21, 2026)