AirAsia expands network with new Fifth Freedom rights Launches “Don Mueang – Luang Prabang – Hanoi” flights, marking its first-ever stopover in Laos

Bangkok, 28 August 2025 – AirAsia is expanding opportunities under Fifth Freedom rights with the launch of a new roundtrip route Bangkok (DMK) – Hanoi (HAN) via Luang Prabang (LPQ), marking the airline’s first-ever stopover in Laos. This also represents the first time AirAsia is exercising its Fifth Freedom rights beyond Japan, further strengthening international connectivity across ASEAN.

The airline aims to tap into the high-demand international tourist market between Luang Prabang and Hanoi, with confidence that the route will receive a strong response thanks to AirAsia’s unbeatable value and world-class service.

Mr.Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, said: We are excited to introduce this new route under Fifth Freedom rights, with Luang Prabang designated as our first-ever stopover city. This allows us to expand into new markets, particularly by offering daily direct flights between Luang Prabang and Hanoi. We believe the route will be well-received by international travelers seeking seamless connections between leading tourism destinations. Both Hanoi and Luang Prabang are growing highlights in the region, and launching during the year-end peak season makes this timing even more ideal.

“Our previous four Fifth Freedom routes, all connecting to Japan with stopovers in Taiwan or Hong Kong, have received excellent feedback. This new, fifth route is a milestone as we introduce a stopover in Luang Prabang, Laos, to connect onward to Hanoi, Vietnam, reinforcing our growth strategy in international markets.” added Mr.Santisuk.

AirAsia will begin operating the Don Mueang–Luang Prabang–Hanoi route on 1 December 2025, with seats now available for booking via AirAsia MOVE, the website and multiple other channels. The service will be operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft with 180 seats.

Currently, AirAsia operates a total of five daily Fifth Freedom routes as follows:

  • Don Mueang – Taipei – Okinawa

  • Don Mueang – Kaohsiung – Tokyo

  • Don Mueang – Hong Kong – Okinawa

  • Chiang Mai – Taipei – Sapporo

  • Don Mueang – Luang Prabang – Hanoi (new, effective 1 December 2025)

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