Lao Airlines the state-owned airline will now resume flights to a total of six domestic destinations after flip-flopping between opening and canceling routes over the last few days.

 

 

Lao Airlines announced it would resume domestic flights under strict Covid-19 safety measures starting from 25 June after a long absence from the skies.

 

Earlier the airline had reversed its decision, saying that due to strict regulations requiring special authorization for travel in certain provinces, the airline had decided to cancel the previously-announced flights to Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, and Xieng Khouang provinces.

 

However, Lao Airlines has said in a statement today that has reinstated those flights. “After careful consideration by the provincial Covid-19 taskforces, Lao Airlines will resume flights to Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, and Xieng Khouang provinces in accordance with strict Covid-19 prevention measures,” the statement reads.

 

Due to the relatively low number of passengers who have had two doses of vaccine, the opening schedule will be rather limited.

 

Provinces served by two return flights per week include Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Oudomxay. Luang Namtha will have three return flights per week and Xieng Khouang will be served with one weekly return flight.

 

A weekly return flight to Savannakhet will commence on 7 July.

 

Many of the local Laos Air pilots have gone to work in China, some in VN.    All the expat pilots were released from contract.  Only a small percentage of local pilots will return to work in Laos.  Their salary was just a small percentage of what they are earning in China.  Airbus Captain Expats on last contract were earning $8500-$9500 monthly.  Locals were paid less than $4000 month.   In China,  Captain wages vary between $12,000 and $18,000 monthly for Airbus 320 captains and more for A330 capt.