Lao Airlines charter flights to stay grounded

The Lao Airlines is suspending all charter flights to and from other countries to reduce the risk of a second wave of Covid-19 triggered by inbound travellers. According to the airline, the last charter flight on the Laos-South Korea route departed on Sunday, while the latest humanitarian flight bringing back Lao workers from overseas took place on Dec 13. Anyone entering Laos on a humanitarian flight must have all the necessary documents and spend 14 days at a designated quarantine centre. “We are suspending all charter flights based on an order from the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, ” local daily Vientiane Times quoted Director of Lao Airlines’ Commercial Department Noudeng Chanthaphasouk as saying Tuesday. “Based on this order, all charter flights will be suspended until Jan 23, ” said Noudeng. The only international route currently in service is a twice-weekly flight from Vientiane to Kunming in southwestern China. “We can’t be exactly certain how long charter flights will be suspended because we’re waiting to hear about possible new virus prevention measures laid down by the government. The planes used on the Vientiane-Kunming route are thoroughly cleaned after passengers disembark to ensure the safety of both passengers and crews, ” Noudeng said.<br/>