Vientiane (FN), Mar. 25 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone welcomed the launch of direct flights between Phnom Penh and Vientiane.

Both leaders spoke at a joint press conference on Monday (Mar. 25) in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that the commencement of the direct flights will significantly bolster tourism, trade, industry, and various vital sectors in both nations.

"We also discussed detailed projects and other initiatives to further promote people-to-people connectivity,” the premier added.

Lao Airlines resumed flights between Phnom Penh and Vientiane on 19 March 2024 to facilitate travel between the two cities. The first flight from Vientiane to Phnom Penh arrived at the Phnom Penh International Airport with 116 passengers, while 86 passengers travelled from Phnom Penh to Vientiane.

The resumed flights will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, utilising an Airbus A320 or ATR 72 aircraft.

According to a 2023 report, more than 370,000 Lao tourists visited Cambodia, representing a 302 per cent increase, making Laos the fourth largest source of foreign tourists in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS