Lao Skyway
A privately owned Laotian regional airline operating scheduled domestic services from its main base in Vientiane, with a particular focus on connecting smaller provincial communities.
About Lao Skyway
Lao Skyway is a privately owned airline based in Laos. It began operations in 2002 under the name Lao Air and adopted the Lao Skyway identity in 2013. The carrier operates scheduled passenger flights alongside charter services, giving it a distinct role within a market otherwise led by the national airline, Lao Airlines. Its legal and corporate details have changed over time, so travellers should rely on current booking documents for the operating carrier’s information.
The airline’s primary hub is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. Its scheduled network is focused mainly on domestic routes linking the capital with provincial centres and tourism gateways such as Luang Prabang, Pakse, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha and Phonsavan. Lao Skyway has also served smaller communities including Sam Neua and Houay Xay, although frequencies and individual routes can change in response to demand, season and operational requirements.
Lao Skyway has historically operated regional aircraft including the Chinese-built Xian MA60 turboprop and smaller Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, with equipment varying by route and period. These types are suited to relatively short sectors and airports with limited traffic. Scheduled flights generally use a single economy-class cabin rather than separate business and economy sections. Service is straightforward and designed around the short duration of most domestic journeys.
Lao Skyway is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It does not have a widely established frequent-flyer programme comparable with those offered by major international carriers. Travellers connecting to flights operated by other airlines should therefore expect separate tickets, baggage arrangements and check-in procedures unless their booking explicitly states otherwise. Alliance status, through-checking and mileage credit should not be assumed.
The airline’s principal strength is its ability to provide direct air links between Vientiane and Laotian provinces where overland travel can be lengthy, especially during difficult weather or road conditions. The main challenge is that a small regional network offers fewer daily alternatives when a flight is changed or cancelled. Schedules may be limited on thinner routes, so passengers should allow generous connection time and reconfirm departure details before travelling to the airport.
Good to know
Flying with Lao Skyway — what to expect
Domestic Network
Lao Skyway concentrates on domestic Laotian routes, including provincial airports that may have limited service. Check the operating days carefully because some routes may not run daily.
Simple Cabin Service
Flights are generally short and use a single economy-class cabin. Onboard service and amenities are more limited than those offered on larger international aircraft.
Baggage Conditions
Baggage allowances can depend on the fare and aircraft used, particularly on services operated by smaller turboprops. Confirm both cabin and checked-baggage limits on your ticket before packing.
Allow Connection Time
Use a generous buffer when connecting in Vientiane, especially if the onward flight is on a separate ticket. Through-checked baggage and protection during disruptions should not be assumed.
Reconfirm Your Flight
Regional schedules can change because of demand, weather or operational conditions. Verify the departure time and airport check-in requirements shortly before travel.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Lao Skyway
Notable destinations on Lao Skyway's network.
LKVientianedirectLKLuang PrabangdirectLKPaksedirectLKOudomxaydirectLKLuang NamthadirectLKPhonsavandirectLKSam NeuadirectLKHouay XaydirectDestination list is indicative of Lao Skyway's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of Lao Skyway
TripAdvisor · 2017–2023- 512
- 410
- 35
- 21
- 16
What travellers flew
Counted from the 34 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Unsecured and dishonest
One of my two-ways flight was cancelled and ground staff asked me to contact by mail Client service to get refund. I have sent 5 mails without being answered and can not get any refund, even after 7 weeks!
Posted May 2023 by JulianTravel
Good quick flight!
Flight to LPQ on Chinese MA60 propeller aircraft was a bit shaky on takeoff and descent, otherwise okay, small plane was only half full. Best is the cost, half of what Lao Airlines charges...we took off a little early and landed the same. Booking was easy at… See more airport kiosk. Would fly again!
See lessPosted February 2020 by Larry M, Vientiane
Great Domestic Airline
This airline is much cheaper than Lao Airlines and doesn't have such an extensive schedule. They fly Chinese built MA60's and Cessna Caravans which are great little aircraft. Leg room can be an issue so get there early and get a seat in the emergency exit row… See more if this is an issue for you. But whatever the flights are not that long anyway.
See lessPosted January 2020 by MarkusD1, Salavan
Good value for money
Basic service on board this propeller aircraft which was comfortable for the short flight from the capital to the northern cultural centre of Luang Prabang. Less than half the price of competitor so was worth it. Thanks for the vote if you found this review… See more helpful
See lessPosted January 2020 by nilintentum_reliquit, Melbourne
Exciting flight
We had a great flight on a Cessna plane ,there was good legroom ,the flight left on time and landed a few minuters before schedule. Since it was a small plane only 11 seats we had e great wiev the whole time, they ewen offered us snacks for a 45 minute flight.
Posted December 2019 by lovingportugal125
It was okay
I must admit I was afraid of flying with them. It all started at the airport when a kind of receipt alike boarding card was issued for us, then we boarded the small plane which was making clapping noise while taking off. But after having reached the sky,… See more everything went okay. We got a small snack, arrived, all okay.
See lessPosted November 2019 by Veronika S., Neuss
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
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FAQ
Lao Skyway — 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
- Cabin-baggage limits may vary with the fare and the smaller aircraft used on regional routes. Check the allowance printed on your booking and expect stricter weight or size controls than on some large international aircraft.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices shown.
- Lower fares are generally easier to find when booking ahead and avoiding major Laotian holidays and peak tourism periods. Compare nearby travel dates because limited frequencies can cause prices to vary significantly.
- Wattay International Airport in Vientiane is Lao Skyway’s main departure point. Luang Prabang and other provincial airports may also provide return or limited connecting services within the domestic network.
- Lao Skyway primarily connects Vientiane with destinations within Laos, including Luang Prabang, Pakse, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Phonsavan, Sam Neua and Houay Xay. The active network and flight frequency can vary by season.
- Lao Skyway operates a small domestic network, but the exact number of active destinations changes as routes are added, suspended or operated seasonally. Consult the airline’s current timetable for an up-to-date count.
- Lao Skyway’s longest active route can change with its domestic schedule. Its longer services generally connect Vientiane with more distant provincial destinations in northern or southern Laos, so check the current timetable rather than relying on a historical route listing.
- Lao Skyway’s primary hub is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Most of its scheduled domestic services are centred on this airport.