Modern glass terminal exterior at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos, glowing in golden-hour light with palm trees and a wide drop-off lane

Airport

Wattay International Airport (VTE)

Wattay International Airport is the main gateway to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and the wider Lao countryside. Compare transfer options to the city centre, the Mekong riverfront, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and nearby border areas, and plan your onward journey with ease.

Passengers

Luggage

About Wattay International Airport

Wattay International Airport is the principal international gateway to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and a key aviation hub for both domestic and international travel. Located only about 3 km west of the city centre, it serves as a convenient entry point for visitors arriving in Laos and for connections to destinations across Southeast Asia and beyond.

The airport has grown through several phases of development. Its international terminal was renovated in 2005 with support from the Government of Japan, and a larger domestic terminal was completed in 2018 and connected to the international terminal. Together these buildings handle international and domestic flights and a wide range of passenger services.

Wattay is connected to Vientiane by taxi, private transfers, and road links, with short transfer times to hotels, the Mekong riverfront, and central districts. Public transport options are limited, so most travelers use taxis, private transfers, or hotel shuttles.

With modern passenger facilities, dining, shopping, lounges, and onward travel options, the airport functions as a compact and accessible gateway for visitors arriving in the capital of Laos.

Travellers with luggage in the bright departure hall of Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos

Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Wattay International Airport operates separate international and domestic passenger terminals that are connected within the airport complex. The international terminal handles international arrivals and departures, while the domestic terminal, expanded and rebuilt in 2018, serves domestic flights.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Wattay International Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Wattay International Airport to hotels, the Mekong riverfront, business districts and other locations across Vientiane.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business meetings, events or journeys around Vientiane.

Car Rental

Rent a car from Wattay International Airport for independent travel around Vientiane and onward journeys to destinations such as Vang Vieng and the Lao countryside.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Wattay International Airport, hotels, event venues and other destinations in and around Vientiane.