The travel and tourism sectors of Cambodia and Laos are set to receive a significant boost with the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. This development, following a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions, marks a significant milestone in the recovery and revitalization of tourism within the ASEAN region.
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, an official with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), revealed to The Post on March 14 that Lao Airlines, the national carrier of Laos, is slated to restart its operations between Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Phnom Penh International Airport in Cambodia starting March 19. This decision stems from bilateral agreements and the gradual resurgence of the tourism sector, emphasized during discussions at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.
Historically, Lao Airlines serviced the Vientiane-Phnom Penh route from the 1980s until the mid-2000s, when the flights were temporarily halted due to market dynamics. Despite this suspension, the airline maintained its presence on the route through a code-sharing agreement with Vietnam Airlines and continued to operate flights connecting Luang Prabang and Pakse in Laos with Siem Reap in Cambodia.
The upcoming flights, scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, will utilize either the Airbus A320 or ATR 72 aircraft, marking a notable revival of direct air connectivity between the two nations.
Industry stakeholders, including Sar Sarin of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) and Thourn Sinan of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, have expressed optimism regarding the positive impact of this resumption on tourism. The increased regional tourist flow, particularly from neighboring countries, has been highlighted as a key factor in the sector’s recovery post-pandemic.
The SSCA’s approval of the flight permit for Lao Airlines is part of broader efforts to facilitate international travel and investment, with additional routes in the region being introduced. Laos, as a significant source of tourists to Cambodia, contributes to the growing demand for cultural tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
With Cambodia welcoming over 5.4 million foreign visitors in 2023, a near 140% increase from the previous year, the reestablishment of the Lao Airlines route is poised to further stimulate tourism growth and foster stronger ties within the ASEAN community.
