外航开辟新航线，押注冷门小城

Core Viewpoint - The opening of the international route from Zhanjiang to Vientiane by Laos Airlines marks a significant milestone for Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport, which has been operational since 2022, and is the first international route launched by a foreign airline in the western Guangdong region [1][3]. Group 1: Route and Strategic Importance - The new route utilizes the Airbus A320 and operates three times a week, fulfilling the demand for direct flights from the western Guangdong region to ASEAN countries [3]. - Zhanjiang is strategically located at the intersection of three national strategies: the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hainan Free Trade Port, and the Western Land-Sea New Corridor, making it a key coastal city for access to ASEAN [3]. - In the first 11 months of 2025, Zhanjiang's total import and export value with ASEAN reached 8.15 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.5%, providing a solid foundation for the route's operation [3]. Group 2: Challenges and Comparisons - There is significant public criticism regarding the choice of Vientiane over more popular destinations like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, with many questioning the demand for travel to Laos [4][6][7]. - Zhanjiang's airport infrastructure and operational capabilities are seen as lagging behind those of Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, which has established a robust network of Southeast Asian routes and is projected to handle over 10 million passengers by 2025 [8][11]. - The lack of stable airline partnerships and the challenges in negotiating popular routes have been highlighted, with reports indicating that Zhanjiang has struggled to secure agreements with airlines for more sought-after destinations [9][10]. Group 3: Future Developments - Zhanjiang's relevant departments are actively working to establish connections with airlines like AirAsia to potentially open routes to Kuala Lumpur by 2025, as well as planning for routes to Bangkok [10]. - To support the development of international routes, Zhanjiang and neighboring cities have set up a special fund for civil aviation development and upgraded customs systems to enhance efficiency [10][12].