Lao Airlines Resumes Direct Flights Between Vientiane and Da Nang, Significantly Enhancing Regional Connectivity and Serving the Growing Demand for Travel Between Laos and Vietnam Amid a Booming Tourism Sector

Published on February 28, 2026

Image generated with Ai

Lao Airlines has officially resumed direct flights between Vientiane and Da Nang, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and catering to the growing demand for travel between Laos and Vietnam. This move comes as both countries experience a surge in tourism, with Vietnam’s Da Nang emerging as a key destination for international visitors. The new service, which operates two weekly flights, reflects Lao Airlines’ commitment to supporting the booming tourism sector while offering convenient and efficient travel options for both leisure and business travelers. By reinstating this route, the airline is capitalizing on the increasing interest in short-haul flights and strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

Image generated with Ai

Lao Airlines has officially announced the resumption of its direct flights between Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Da Nang, a major city in central Vietnam, starting from March 29. This decision marks a significant step in the airline’s efforts to revitalize regional travel and respond to the growing demand for convenient flights connecting Laos with its neighboring countries.

The airline will operate two flights each week, on Thursdays and Sundays, using the newly introduced Comac C909 aircraft. These aircraft, with a capacity of 90 economy-class seats, will provide an efficient and comfortable flying experience. The flight duration is estimated to be about one hour and 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers looking to connect between these two vibrant cities.

According to the flight schedule, Flight QV317 will depart from Vientiane at 11:20 a.m. and will arrive in Da Nang at 12:40 p.m. on the same day. The return flight, QV318, will depart Da Nang at 1:50 p.m., landing in Vientiane at 3:10 p.m. the same day. These flight times are designed to offer flexibility and convenience for travelers, providing ample time for connections to other flights or activities in both cities.

Travelers can easily book their tickets through various channels. Lao Airlines tickets will be available at the airline’s ticket offices in Laos, through authorized travel agents, and on the official website and mobile app. The airline has set the round-trip fare for bookings made in April at US$290, making the service an attractive option for those looking for affordable and convenient travel between Laos and Vietnam.

Before the global pandemic disrupted air travel, Lao Airlines operated the Vientiane-Da Nang route using ATR-72 aircraft, which had a seating capacity of 70. The route involved a layover in Pakse, a city in southern Laos. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, the route was suspended due to a dramatic drop in travel demand. The airline made attempts to reintroduce the direct route in 2023 using Airbus A320 aircraft, but the service was eventually halted due to market conditions that had not fully recovered post-pandemic.

This time, the airline is optimistic about the success of its re-launched service, thanks to the introduction of the 90-seat Comac C909 aircraft. The C909 is believed to be better suited to the current market demand than the previously used ATR-72, which had a smaller capacity, and the A320, which had a much larger seating capacity. With the Comac C909, Lao Airlines is confident that it can meet the needs of travelers while offering a more tailored flying experience.

The resumption of this route comes at a time when Da Nang is experiencing a significant boost in international tourism. According to recent projections, Da Nang is expected to welcome around 19 million visitors in 2026, signaling an ongoing surge in travel to the region. This increase in international tourists, particularly from neighboring countries like South Korea and China, has led to a growing demand for flights to short-haul destinations, such as Laos.

In particular, destinations like Luang Prabang and Vientiane have seen a marked increase in tourist numbers, as travelers seek out cultural experiences and natural beauty. With this rising demand for flights to Laos, Lao Airlines anticipates that many of these international tourists will fill the seats on its newly reintroduced flights between Vientiane and Da Nang. The airline hopes to capitalize on this trend, making its services more appealing to tourists who are looking for reliable, convenient travel options between the two countries.

In addition to boosting tourism between Laos and Vietnam, the flight route will also offer enhanced connectivity for both leisure and business travelers. The city of Da Nang has long been a key tourist destination in Vietnam, attracting visitors with its beaches, cultural sites, and proximity to popular attractions like Hoi An and Hue. Meanwhile, Vientiane offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that is increasingly attracting international visitors. By resuming the direct flight route, Lao Airlines aims to support the growing flow of visitors between the two countries, facilitating cultural exchange and promoting economic ties.

Lao Airlines has also emphasized that the direct flight will contribute to the recovery of Laos’ aviation sector, which, like many other countries, has faced a challenging few years due to the global pandemic. As the travel industry slowly recovers, the airline’s decision to expand its regional offerings comes at a critical time, allowing it to better serve the needs of both domestic and international passengers.

The airline’s efforts are in line with broader regional initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and improving connectivity across Southeast Asia. With many countries in the region seeking to recover their tourism industries, Laos, through Lao Airlines, is positioning itself as a key player in the growing market for short-haul international flights.

Lao Airlines has resumed direct flights between Vientiane and Da Nang, significantly enhancing regional connectivity to meet the rising demand for travel between Laos and Vietnam. This move is driven by the booming tourism sector in both countries, making travel more accessible and efficient for growing numbers of international visitors.

In conclusion, the resumption of Lao Airlines’ direct flights between Vientiane and Da Nang represents a significant milestone for the airline and the region’s travel industry. With the introduction of the Comac C909 aircraft and an increase in demand for regional travel, the service is poised for success. Lao Airlines is not only looking to tap into the booming tourism market in Da Nang but is also helping to strengthen ties between Laos and Vietnam, offering passengers a convenient and affordable way to explore these two fascinating destinations.