VIENTIANE, Lao PDR, 4 January 2021: UK citizens face difficulties securing flights out of Laos to return home due to limited commercial airline options.
Commercial flights to and from Laos remain very limited, and all Thailand-Laos border crossings are closed until further notice, including the Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Nong Khai. Only commercial goods are permitted to cross at present and travel for medical emergencies.
The latest UK travel advisory update says there are currently only occasional charter flights which allow a return to the UK, via third countries from Laos, although the British Embassy is aware that applications for more international flights from Laos are being submitted to authorities.
Lao government approval for additional flights is expected in the near future according to the British Embassy in Vientiane that posts updates on new commercial routes on the UKinLaos Facebook page.
January flights
24 January 2021 to Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia. Tickets for this flight can be bought via Lin Travel (telephone +856 (20) 5942 9515 / +856 (20)5942 6615 or [email protected] and selected travel agents.
28 January 2021 to Seoul with T’way Air (subject to change). Tickets for this flight can be bought via Sunjin S&T Travel Co. (telephone +856 (20)55677938 or email [email protected]).
29 January 2021 to Bangkok with Bangkok Airways. Transit and connecting flights are not permissible. Passengers must check eligibility requirements and seek a letter of approval to travel on this flight from the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane. Tickets for this flight can be bought via Lin Travel (telephone +856 (20)59429515) and selected travel agents.
Although a number of commercial flight options appear on airline sites, the travel advisory warns travellers to check out existing entry/transit regulations carefully before booking flights, including restrictions on foreigners entering or transiting. UK citizens planning to return home should consult FCDO Travel Advice.
