Lao Airlines resumes HCMC flight

Lao Airlines will resume its Vientiane-Pakse-Ho Chi Minh City service, 26 January with three flights a week operating on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The flight was suspended for six years, after low passenger traffic made it unprofitable. Most travellers preferred overland transport claiming the air service was too expensive. Lao Airline was also short of suitable aircraft at the time and under pressure to cut fuel and operational costs.

The Lao news agency quoted Lao Airlines deputy director, Sengpaseuth Matouchanh, reporting that the decision to resume services was in response to the growth of the tourism industry in Pakse in southern Laos. Another factor is the increase in tour itineraries that combine Pakse and Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam.

The route will be served by 56-seat MA60 as well as 70-seat ATR72-200.

Sourced = The TTR Weekly