Phnom Penh, March 19, 2024 – In a move that signifies strengthening ties and enhancing connectivity between Laos and Cambodia, Lao Airlines has officially resumed its direct flight services between Vientiane and Phnom Penh. The airline now offers flights three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—marking a significant step towards boosting tourism and business travel between the two capitals.
The inaugural flight of this renewed service landed at Phnom Penh International Airport on March 19, with 116 passengers onboard, signaling the strong demand and the positive reception from travelers. The arrival was celebrated with a special ceremony, attended by notable figures from the Ministry of Tourism. Passengers were welcomed with traditional gifts, including flowers and Khmer scarfs (Krama), symbolizing the warm ties between the two nations.
Flights on this route are operated using either an Airbus A320 or an ATR 72 aircraft, with departures from Vientiane scheduled at 8:35 am and arrivals in Phnom Penh at 9:50 am. This schedule is designed to cater to the convenience of both tourists and business travelers, providing ample time for onward connections and engagements.
The re-establishment of the Vientiane-Phnom Penh route is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the flow of tourists between Laos and Cambodia. "The resumption of Lao Airlines flights marks a positive development for tourism and business travel, fostering stronger relations between our peoples," highlighted Sin Chansereyvutha, an official from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.
In 2023, Laos emerged as the fourth largest source of foreign tourists to Cambodia, with visitor numbers surpassing 372,285—a 302 percent increase from the previous year, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism. This remarkable growth underscores the potential for further collaboration and mutual benefit in the tourism sector between the two countries.
The relaunch of this flight service is not just a testament to the enduring friendship between Laos and Cambodia but also a promising indicator of the burgeoning travel and tourism industry in the region.
