Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport welcomed its first international flight operated by Lao Airlines on Tuesday evening (December 23), opening a direct link to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The Airbus A320 flight QV863 received a traditional water salute upon arrival, marking the airport's first international service since its 2022 relocation.
The service runs three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flights depart Wattay International Airport in Vientiane at 16:40 and arrive in Zhanjiang at 19:15, before returning at 20:15, landing in Vientiane at 20:55 (all local times).
Passengers, especially locals, welcomed the convenience. Ms. Ma, a resident of nearby Maoming and a passenger on the inaugural flight, who has traveled to over 20 countries, said she previously skipped trips to Laos due to inconvenient connections through other provinces. "Now I can fly abroad directly from near home," she said, expressing hope for more international routes in the future.
The airport's central location between Zhanjiang and Maoming, combined with connections to major railways and highways, positions it as a key hub in western Guangdong. However, the region has long relied on hubs like Guangzhou and Shenzhen for international travel, adding time and cost for residents and businesses. The new route addresses this gap, providing convenient access to Southeast Asia directly from the region.
Laos is a key partner in China–ASEAN cooperation, with Vientiane serving as a major transport hub and the starting point of the China-Laos Railway. Ahead of the 65th anniversary of China-Laos diplomatic ties, the new route creates a direct air link from western Guangdong to Southeast Asia, boosting people-to-people connections and economic ties.
According to local government authorities and the airport, the new Zhanjiang-Vientiane route is part of broader plans to expand direct flights from western Guangdong to more Southeast Asian destinations, such as Vietnam and Thailand, further strengthening regional connectivity and trade.
Located on China's southern coast, Zhanjiang sits at the heart of western Guangdong, bordering the South China Sea and serving as a gateway between the Pearl River Delta and Hainan. The city is a key hub for regional trade, shipping, and industry, with Zhanjiang Port handling both domestic and international cargo. The opening of international flights at the airport not only enhances the city's connectivity with Southeast Asia but also strengthens its role in regional economic integration, boosts tourism, and provides new opportunities for cross-border trade and investment.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Photo: Liang Zijian
Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
