Where Does Houay Xay's Airport Stand?

Yes, Houay Xay, Laos, has an airport called Ban Huoeisay Airport. The airport has various alternative spellings, including Ban Houayxay Airport, Ban Houei Sai Airport, and Ban Huay Xai Airport. However, there are no scheduled flights to this airport due to a runway upgrade. In December 2023, the airport was closed for renovations, and some travellers were informed of flight cancellations only a month or two before their trips. Although some locals mentioned that the airport would be closed for two years, it is unclear when it will resume operations.

Ban Huoeisay Airport in Houay Xay, Laos

Ban Huoeisay Airport (also spelled Ban Houayxay Airport, Ban Houei Sai Airport, and Ban Huay Xai Airport) is a small airport in Houay Xay, Laos. The airport's IATA code is HOE, and its ICAO code is VLHS.

There are no scheduled flights to or from the airport due to a runway upgrade. However, websites like wego.com allow users to search for flights from Ban Huoeisay Airport, suggesting that unscheduled flights may still operate from the airport.

The airport has a basic infrastructure. According to a 2008 review, travellers must remove their luggage from a pick-up truck themselves and must watch for its arrival as no announcements are made. There is no public transport from the airport to the township, but locals offer paid rides and speak English or French.

On 30 June 1971, a Douglas C-47B XW-TDI aircraft operated by Royal Air Lao was involved in an accident at Ban Huoeisay Airport and was written off.

Alternative spellings of the airport

The airport in Houay Xay, Laos, has several alternative spellings. The airport is known as Ban Huoeisay Airport in Lao, and its alternative spellings include Ban Houayxay Airport, Ban Houei Sai Airport, and Ban Huay Xai Airport. The airport's IATA code is HOE, and its ICAO code is VLHS.

Houay Xay, located in Bokeo Province, Laos, on the border with Thailand, has a domestic airport with regular flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, depending on the season. The airport in Houay Xay is a convenient option for travellers looking to fly into or out of the region.

There are various references to an air route between HOE and VTE, but it is unclear if this flight route is still operational. Some sources indicate that the airport is undergoing expansion, and flights may not be operating until the completion of the expansion works. It is always a good idea to check the official sources or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on airport operations and flight schedules.

Houay Xay is a popular tourist destination, known for its Gibbon Experience, a series of ziplines and treehouses providing a unique overnight adventure. The town also serves as a starting point for boat trips on the Mekong River, offering speed boats, slow boats, freighters, and luxury cruisers for tourists.

Airlines flying from Ban Huoeisay Airport

Ban Huoeisay Airport (IATA: HOE, ICAO: VLHS) is located in Ban Houayxay, Laos. The airport is currently undergoing a runway upgrade, and as a result, there are no scheduled flights to or from the airport.

In the past, there have been references to an air route between Ban Huoeisay Airport and Vientiane, the capital of Laos. However, according to recent forum posts, it seems that this flight may no longer be operational, as users have reported being unable to find tickets for this route.

One individual mentions that they were told flights to Ban Huoeisay Airport were not running, while another states that the airport is undergoing expansion and flights will resume once the project is completed.

While there are currently no scheduled flights to or from Ban Huoeisay Airport, travellers can still visit the city of Huay Xai by road or take a flight to a nearby airport, such as Luang Namtha, and continue their journey from there.

It is recommended to check the airport's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of the runway upgrade and any changes to flight operations.

The airport's runway upgrade

The Airport Runway Upgrade

Ban Huoeisay Airport (IATA: HOE, ICAO: VLHS) in Ban Houayxay, Laos, is currently undergoing a runway upgrade. Due to this upgrade, there are currently no scheduled flights to the airport. Travellers seeking to fly to Houay Xai are advised to fly to nearby airports such as Luang Namtha and Chiang Rai.

The runway upgrade is part of a larger expansion project for the airport. The expansion project is expected to take around two years to complete, according to local sources. During this time, airlines such as Lao Airlines and Lao Skyways have cancelled their flights to and from the airport.

The airport upgrade is a significant development for the region, as it will improve transport links and accessibility to Houay Xai and the surrounding areas. The upgraded airport will be able to accommodate more flights and passengers, boosting tourism and business opportunities in the region.

The runway upgrade specifically involves improving the runway surface, markings, and lighting. The work will ensure that the runway meets international safety standards and can accommodate larger aircraft. In addition to the runway upgrade, the expansion project may also include improvements to the airport's terminal facilities, such as the departure lounge and baggage claim areas.

The local community and businesses in Houay Xai are eagerly awaiting the completion of the runway upgrade and airport expansion. The improved airport infrastructure will not only enhance transportation options but also contribute to the economic growth and development of the region.

The airport's history of incidents

Ban Huoeisay Airport (HOE) is a small domestic airport in Ban Houayxay, Laos, on the Thai border. It is also referred to as Huay Xai Airport.

The airport has been described as "extremely basic" by a reviewer on World-Airport-Codes.com. There is no public transport to and from the airport, and travellers must keep an eye on their luggage as no announcements are made.

Houay Xay Airport has a history of at least one major incident. On 30 June 1971, a Douglas C-47B XW-TDI plane operated by Royal Air Lao was written off in an accident. There are currently no scheduled flights to the airport due to a runway upgrade.

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