Laos’ new airport delays

HUAPHAN  Construction of Nongkhang airport in Huaphan province in northern Laos is facing delays and won’t be finished until next year.
The provincial Public Works and Transport Department was quoted by Vientiane Times as saying the construction company had accepted a new project timetable after consultation meetings in Vientiane over the past few months.
“The new schedule will see the airport completed by 16 June 2016,” the source said.
Originally, the airport was set to open this year, but delays were caused mainly ny construction and ground preparation faults.
inside no 3Work failed to comply with conditions set by the Department of Civil Aviation on land fill required to ensure the runway would be stable. Felled trees were buried under excavations at the site where the runway was to be located which would compromise foundations.
According to the provincial Public Works and Transport Department, construction was only 22.8% completed as of February this year.
A Vietnamese investor, Hoang Anh Gia Lai Joint Stock Company (HAGL) will spend more than USD74 million to build the airport, at a site 31 km from the provincial capital of Xamneua, the report said.
The airport will be able to accommodate aircraft of 70 to 100 seats, such as the ATR72.
Currently, only helicopters and small planes use old airport in Huaphan, and occasionally there are charter flights by light aircraft.
Vieng Xay district in Huaphan province is famous for its caves that were a refuge for Pathet Lao leaders during the second Indochina war when American forces bombed Laos. Once opened the new airport will make it more convenient to visit the caves.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia