Malaysian direct flight to Laos delayed

Direct flights from Malaysia to Laos will be delayed until November, to allow time for office construction in Laos before opening the service, according to Director General of the Lao Civil Aviation Department, Mr Yakua Lopangkao.

Air Asia planned the direct route from Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia , to Vientiane , to begin this July, however late preparations have put the service on hold.

Mr Yakua, said the service will provide low-cost flights between the two countries, due to the expectation that demand for the service will increase in the future...more

Opening direct flights between Malaysia and Laos is part of the bilateral agreement to improve the air transportation sectors of the two countries. The objective is to create more convenient links for tourists and business people travelling across the region.

The flights are also expected to be beneficial for trade, cargo transport, and investment between both countries.

At present most people flying between the two countries have to transit in Bangkok , before continuing their journey.

In 1996, Malaysia Airlines offered flights to Laos but ceased operations in 1998 due to the Asian financial crisis.

Mr Yakua said the airline hopes to provide regular flights from November, but schedules will depend on customer demand.

Currently, the Malaysian Airbus 320 is planned to fly three times a week-on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Mr Yakua said that in November China Southern Airlines will also open direct flights on a Boeing 737 aircraft from China to Laos . The Chinese airline will also offer flights three days per week.

At present there are five overseas airlines flying to Laos : Thai Airways International flies from Bangkok , Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi , and China Eastern flies from Kunming , all to Vientiane . Siem Reap Airways flies from Siem Reap to Pakxe, and Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok to Pakxe.

Source: vientianetimes via laosmile