Phonesavanh Airport, LA.
Recent traveler sentiment for Xieng Khouang Airport (XKH), also known as Phonesavanh Airport (VLPV) in Phonsavan, Laos, generally reflects a perception of a small, regional, and relatively basic airport. While it serves as a crucial gateway to the famous Plain of Jars, many experiences highlight its modest facilities, though significant renovations are currently underway to upgrade its infrastructure.
What Travelers Love
- Efficient Processes (Pre-Renovation): Before its closure for renovations, travelers reported friendly and quick staff at check-in, with security checks being fast and thorough.
- Convenient Access to Plain of Jars: The airport is the primary entry point for tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Plain of Jars, making it an ideal starting point for exploring this historical site.
- Planned Modernization: The ongoing Russian-funded renovation, expected to complete by the end of 2025, will significantly enhance the airport with a refurbished and extended runway, a new taxiway, electronic scanners, runway lighting, radar facility enhancements, and an upgraded passenger terminal.
- Good Local Transportation: Taxis offer a quick and affordable connection between the airport and Phonsavan city center, with an 8-minute journey costing approximately $4-6.
Common Complaints
- Small and Basic Facilities (Pre-Renovation): Many reviews describe the airport as "bare bones" and very small, with a modest waiting room, suggesting a less modern travel experience before the current renovations.
- Limited Flight Connectivity: The airport primarily handles domestic flights to and from Vientiane and Luang Prabang via Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway, with limited daily frequencies.
- Current Closure for Renovation: As of October 1, 2024, the airport is closed for extensive renovations and is expected to reopen in June 2025, impacting immediate travel plans to the region.
Once reopened and fully renovated, Xieng Khouang Airport is poised to offer an improved and more comfortable experience for travelers, addressing many of the prior concerns regarding its basic facilities and enhancing its capacity to serve increasing passenger numbers.
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Common questions about VLPV
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Where is Phonesavanh Airport located?
Phonesavanh Airport is located LA, at an elevation of 3628 ft. Its IATA code is — and ICAO code is VLPV.