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Lao Airlines
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic · LAO

48
Routes
6
Hubs
LAO
ICAO
QV
IATA
TravelerPulse profile
Connecting Laos to the region and beyond.
Founded
1976
Headquarters
Vientiane, Lao PDR
Lao Airlines is the flag carrier of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, operating domestic and international routes across Southeast Asia and beyond. The airline is state-owned and serves as the primary commercial aviation provider in landlocked Laos, connecting the country to neighboring nations including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and others.
The airline operates out of Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and offers connections to several domestic destinations including Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Savannakhet. Lao Airlines has modernized its fleet over the years, transitioning from older Soviet-era aircraft to more contemporary turboprops and regional jets.
Despite being a relatively small carrier, Lao Airlines plays a vital role in the economic and social development of Laos by providing essential air links in a country where road and rail infrastructure remains limited in certain regions.
Hubs & network
Lao Airlines operates its primary hub at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, with a secondary focus on Luang Prabang International Airport.
Fleet
Lao Airlines operates a mixed fleet including ATR 72 turboprops and Bombardier Q400 aircraft for domestic routes, along with Airbus A320 family jets for regional international services.
Notable facts
- ›Lao Airlines is wholly state-owned by the Lao government.
- ›The airline was established in 1976 following the reorganization of Royal Air Lao after the communist takeover.
- ›Lao Airlines suffered a fatal crash in 2013 when an ATR 72 went down near Pakse, killing all 49 on board.
- ›The carrier serves both domestic routes and international destinations across Southeast and East Asia.
- ›Lao Airlines rebranded and modernized its image in the 2000s, updating its livery and fleet.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
Primary hubs
Route network map (44 legs)












Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO
Route network
BKK → LPQAT7
BKK → VTE320 AT7
BKK → ZVKAT7
CAN → VTE320
CNX → LPQAT7
HAN → LPQAT7
HAN → VTE320
HOE → VTEAT7
ICN → VTE320
JHG → LPQAT7
KMG → VTE320
LPQ → BKKAT7
LPQ → CNXAT7
LPQ → HANAT7
LPQ → JHGAT7
LPQ → PKZAT7
LPQ → REPAT7
LPQ → VTEAT7 320
LXG → VTEAT7
ODY → VTEAT7
PKZ → LPQAT7
PKZ → REPAT7
PKZ → SGNAT7
PKZ → VTEAT7 320
PKZ → ZVKAT7
PNH → VTE321
REP → LPQAT7
REP → PKZAT7
SGN → PKZAT7
SIN → VTE320
VTE → BKK320 AT7
VTE → CAN320
VTE → HAN320
VTE → HOEAT7
VTE → ICN320
VTE → KMG320
VTE → LPQAT7 320
VTE → LXGAT7
VTE → ODYAT7
VTE → PKZAT7 320
VTE → PNH321
VTE → SIN320
VTE → XKHAT7
VTE → ZVKAT7
XKH → VTEAT7
ZVK → BKKAT7
ZVK → PKZAT7
ZVK → VTEAT7
Fleet (aircraft types operated)
Encyclopaedia
Lao Airlines State Enterprise is the flag carrier of Laos, headquartered in Vientiane. It operates domestic and international services to countries such as Cambodia, China, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Its main operating base is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. It is owned by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
Read full article on WikipediaLatest news
ch-aviation· 1/6/2026
Lao Airlines launches first int'l route at Zhanjiang, China
Read at ch-aviation
AeroMorning.com· 11/13/2025
COMAC to Acquire 49% Stake in Lao Airlines, Lao Government Retains 51%
Read at AeroMorning.com
Air Data News· 11/13/2025
COMAC acquires a 49% stake in the state-owned carrier Lao Airlines
Read at Air Data News
vietnamnews.vn· 2/24/2026
Lao Airlines to resume direct Vientiane – Đà Nẵng service
Read at vietnamnews.vn
e.vnexpress.net· 2/27/2026
Lao Airlines to resume direct Vientiane - Da Nang service
Read at e.vnexpress.net
Cục Du lịch Quốc gia Việt Nam· 2/24/2026
Lao Airlines to resume direct Vientiane - Da Nang route in late March
Read at Cục Du lịch Quốc gia Việt Nam
