Lao People's Democratic Republic Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: Department of Civil Aviation, Lao PDR (DCAL)
- Website: https://www.dcal.gov.la
- Contact: Department of Civil Aviation, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Prior permission required for all private flights. 15-day advance notice historically required though 48-hour lead time may be accepted.
Prior permission required. Non-scheduled commercial flights should apply at least 15 days in advance. Operators should plan well ahead for charter operations.
Governed by bilateral air service agreements with Laos.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: Department of Civil Aviation (DCAL)
- Lead Time: 48 working hours minimum prior to scheduled departure
- Validity: 72 hours from initial requested schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; route navigation facility charges apply
Routing and FIR information must be provided as part of application. Item 18 of flight plan must include approved overflight permission number. DCAL working hours 0130Z to 0930Z.
Apply through DCAL Air Transport Department with routing and FIR information, complete flight details, and aircraft documentation. Ensure compliance with FIR details for traversing Laotian airspace.
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: Department of Civil Aviation (DCAL)
- Lead Time: 48 hours minimum; 15 days recommended for non-scheduled commercial and private flights
- Validity: 72 hours from initial requested schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; landing and parking charges apply at airport level
Older regulations specify 15 days prior notice for private and non-scheduled commercial aircraft. Current practice may accept 48-hour lead time subject to DCAL discretion.
Apply to DCAL with complete flight details, crew and passenger information, and aircraft documentation. For non-scheduled commercial operations, allow 15 days lead time for processing.
Cabotage
Not permitted for foreign operators
General Remarks
Laos requires strict compliance with FIR routing in permit applications. Operators should allow ample lead time, especially for non-scheduled operations. DCAL may accept shorter lead times at their discretion.