Muang Souy Airfield

The airfield's closure was a direct result of major political and military changes in Laos. It was a military/paramilitary facility, not a civilian airport. Its operations ceased with the end of the Laotian Civil War (often called the 'Secret War') and the victory of the Pathet Lao forces in 1975. The withdrawal of all US personnel, including the CIA and its proprietary airline Air America, which were the primary operators at the site, rendered the airfield's purpose obsolete. It was effectively abandoned as the Royal Lao Government, which it supported, collapsed.

As of the latest satellite imagery, Muang Souy Airfield is abandoned and in a state of disrepair. The main runway is still clearly visible as a prominent scar on the landscape, but it is unmaintained, weathered, and overgrown in places. There are no active aviation operations. The runway and surrounding taxiways are reportedly used by local villagers as an access road for vehicles and farm equipment. The area surrounding the old airfield is primarily used for agriculture. There are no airport facilities, terminals, or hangars remaining in operational condition.

Muang Souy Airfield, historically known as Lima Site 108 (LS-108), was one of the most significant covert airbases during the Secret War in Laos (1959-1975). Its primary historical importance lies in its role as a crucial logistical and operational hub for the CIA.

Operations it handled included:
- **Logistical Support:** It was a key base for Air America and the US Air Force to fly in weapons, ammunition, food, and other vital supplies to the Royal Lao Army and the CIA-backed Hmong anti-communist forces led by General Vang Pao.
- **Troop Movement:** The airfield was used to transport Royalist and Hmong troops to and from battlefronts across northern Laos.
- **Forward Air Control (FAC):** It served as a base for Forward Air Controllers (callsign 'Raven FACs') who flew small, light aircraft (like the O-1 Bird Dog and T-28 Trojan) to identify enemy targets and direct US bombing raids against Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army positions, particularly along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and around the strategic Plain of Jars.
- **Medical Evacuation (Medevac):** Wounded soldiers and civilians were frequently airlifted from smaller, more dangerous airstrips to Muang Souy for medical attention or further transport.

Due to its strategic location west of the Plain of Jars, the airfield was heavily contested throughout the war and changed hands multiple times between Royalist and Communist forces.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Muang Souy Airfield for any official aviation purposes. The region is now served by the modern Xieng Khouang Airport (IATA: XKH, ICAO: VLXK) located near the provincial capital of Phonsavan, which handles all commercial and official air traffic. Given the existence of this superior facility and the lack of any economic or strategic need for a second airport in the immediate area, it is highly improbable that resources would be allocated to restore the derelict Muang Souy site.