Lao Airlines
Laos’ state-owned flag carrier, operating scheduled domestic and regional international services from its main hub in Vientiane.
About Lao Airlines
Lao Airlines is the national flag carrier of Laos and is owned by the Lao government. Its origins date to 1976, when Lao Aviation was established following the formation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The airline adopted the Lao Airlines name in 2003, creating a clearer national identity for its scheduled passenger operations. It uses the IATA code QV and the ICAO code LAO.
Wattay International Airport in Vientiane is Lao Airlines’ primary hub, supported by important operations in Luang Prabang and Pakse. Its network comprises 17 destinations across 6 countries and 50 routes, combining domestic links with regional international services. Key cities include Bangkok, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Singapore, Kunming and Jinghong, alongside Lao destinations such as Savannakhet and Ban Houayxay.
The airline’s operations are centered on ATR 72 turboprops and Airbus A320-family narrow-body jets, which suit its mixture of short domestic sectors and regional international flights. Aircraft types associated with its operating record also include the Boeing 737-400 and Fokker 70. Economy Class is the principal cabin, while enhanced cabin options may be offered on selected Airbus-operated routes; the onboard product varies by aircraft and flight length.
Lao Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, so passengers should not expect alliance-wide benefits such as reciprocal lounge access or through-status recognition. Its own loyalty scheme is called Champa Muang Lao, allowing eligible travellers to earn recognition and benefits within the airline’s programme. Travellers should confirm current enrolment, earning rules and redemption options directly with Lao Airlines before booking.
A notable strength is Lao Airlines’ coverage within Laos, where it provides practical links between Vientiane and provincial or tourism centers that can otherwise require long overland journeys. Its compact regional network also supports straightforward connections to nearby Asian gateways. The trade-off is limited frequency on some routes, making schedule changes or missed connections harder to absorb than on larger airlines; allowing extra time between separate tickets is sensible.
Good to know
Flying with Lao Airlines — what to expect
Compact Regional Network
Lao Airlines focuses on domestic Lao routes and nearby Asian cities. Frequencies can be limited, so check operating days carefully before arranging hotels or onward transport.
Aircraft May Vary
ATR 72 turboprops commonly serve shorter sectors, while Airbus aircraft are better suited to busier regional routes. Cabin space and onboard service therefore vary by aircraft.
Check Baggage Terms
Baggage allowances can depend on the route, fare and cabin. Review the allowance shown on your ticket, particularly when connecting to another airline on a separate booking.
Allow Connection Time
Vientiane is the principal connecting point, with Luang Prabang and Pakse also supporting multiple routes. Build in a generous buffer because some services do not operate frequently.
Online Check-In Availability
Digital check-in options may not be available for every airport or route. Arrive with enough time to complete check-in and document checks at the airport counter.
Network overview
Where Lao Airlines flies
Lao Airlines operates 50 routes to 17 destinations across 6 countries, its longest sector reaching Singapore to Vientiane (1,854 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Lao Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Singapore → Vientiane
1,854 km · SIN → VTE
The longest sector in the Lao Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Lao Airlines
Notable destinations on Lao Airlines's network.
QVVientianedirectQVLuang PrabangdirectQVPaksedirectQVBangkokdirectQVHanoidirectQVSavannakhetdirectQVSiem ReapdirectQVBan HouayxaydirectQVChiang MaidirectQVHo Chi Minh CitydirectQVJinghongdirectQVKunmingdirectDestination list is indicative of Lao Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Laos
Other airlines based in Laos
FAQ
Lao Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Carry-on limits can vary by fare, route and aircraft, particularly on smaller turboprops. Check the allowance printed on your booking and Lao Airlines’ current baggage guidance before departure.
- Lao Airlines’ longest route is the nonstop service from Singapore to Vientiane, covering about 1,854 km.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Lao Airlines serves 17 destinations across 6 countries and operates 50 routes.
- Lao Airlines serves domestic cities including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet and Ban Houayxay, plus regional destinations such as Bangkok, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Jinghong and Kunming.
- Fares are often lower when booked early and outside major Lao festivals, public holidays and peak tourism periods. Compare flexible travel dates and midweek departures where available.
- The busiest departure points by route count are Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Bangkok and Hanoi. Vientiane is the airline’s principal hub.
- Lao Airlines’ primary hub is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. Luang Prabang and Pakse are also important departure points in its network.