New Huaphan airport scheduled for handover in April 

The new Nong Khang airport in Xamneua district, Huaphan province, is set for handover next month, with overall construction now 90.34 percent complete.
According to a project report issued in December 2022, the contractor is speeding up completion of the final works in anticipation of the April handover.

The Nong Khang airport terminal in Xamneua district, Huaphan province.

Meanwhile, government agencies at the central and local levels, especially the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, have appointed an inspection, evaluation and monitoring committee including officials from the Department of Public Works and Transport in Huaphan province to regularly monitor the progress of construction, to ensure handover of the airport on April 30.
The runway, taxiway, apron, and airport entrance are now fully complete, the control tower is 92 percent complete, the passenger building is 90 percent complete, installation of navigational aids is 95 percent complete, and the airport boundary wall is 55 percent complete.
Because construction ground to a halt for almost two years, it was necessary to construct, repair, relocate and re-install some equipment in order to comply with agreed standards.
The contractor will strive to ensure completion of the passenger terminal, control tower and other buildings, drainage, ground surfaces, boundary wall and other features of the airport before April 30.
Vietnam’s Hoang Anh Gia Lai Joint Stock Company (HAGL) began construction of the airport at the end of 2014 but had to suspend work in 2015 after encountering financial difficulties.
The airstrip had originally been scheduled for completion at the end of 2016.
The project was first given the green light in June 2013 when the government, represented by the Department of Civil Aviation, signed a contract with HAGL worth more than US$74 million (about 616 billion kip).
When it finally becomes operational, the airport will be able to accommodate aircraft with 70-100 seats, such as the ATR72, bringing more visitors to Huaphan province.     
Laos’ main airports are Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, and airports in Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Savannakhet, Champassak and Bokeo provinces.
Elsewhere, the runway at Huayxai Airport in Bokeo province is currently being extended to better serve regional transport needs and cater to the growth in investment and tourism.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 9, 2023)