list of airports in Myanmar

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Exploring Myanmar’s Skies: A Guide to Airports in the Golden Land

Myanmar, a country brimming with ancient temples, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers. While exploring this beautiful nation often involves overland journeys, understanding the airport infrastructure is crucial for planning a smooth and efficient trip. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of airports in Myanmar, covering both international and domestic hubs, and offering helpful information for your travels.

#ff6900 Myanmar’s Airport Landscape: An Overview

Myanmar’s airport system is undergoing modernization, with several airports receiving upgrades to handle growing passenger numbers. Historically, Yangon International Airport was the primary gateway, but other airports are expanding to support both tourism and business travel. The country is divided into several states and regions, each with varying levels of airport connectivity. The majority of domestic flights operate from Yangon and Mandalay, connecting to smaller regional airports. Understanding the location and capabilities of these airports will help you maximize your time exploring all that Myanmar has to offer.

#ff6900 International Airports in Myanmar

Myanmar currently has three officially designated international airports. These are equipped to handle larger aircraft and offer services for international arrivals and departures.

  • Yangon International Airport (RGN): Located in Mingaladon, just north of Yangon, this is the largest and busiest airport in Myanmar. It serves as the main international hub, connecting the country to destinations across Asia, and increasingly, to other parts of the world. Recent expansions have significantly improved its capacity and passenger experience.

  • Mandalay International Airport (MDL): Serving the former royal capital, Mandalay Airport is the second busiest international airport. It provides access to the central Myanmar region, including popular tourist destinations like Bagan and Inle Lake.

  • Naypyidaw International Airport (NYP): Located near the capital city of Naypyidaw, this airport primarily caters to government officials and business travelers. While it handles some international flights, the frequency is lower compared to Yangon and Mandalay.

#ff6900 Domestic Airports in Myanmar: Connecting the Regions

Beyond the international hubs, Myanmar boasts a network of domestic airports that facilitate travel within the country. These airports vary in size and facilities, ranging from modern terminals to more basic airstrips. Here’s a table listing many of the domestic and regional airports in Myanmar:

Airport Name Airport Code City/Region Served Notes
Yangon International Airport RGN Yangon Also serves as a major domestic hub.
Mandalay International Airport MDL Mandalay Key hub for central Myanmar.
Naypyidaw International Airport NYP Naypyidaw Primarily government and business travel.
Bagan Airport NYU Bagan Convenient for exploring the ancient temples.
Heho Airport HEH Inle Lake Gateway to the Inle Lake region.
Myitkyina Airport MYT Myitkyina Serves the Kachin State.
Lashio Airport LSH Lashio Important for travel to northern Shan State.
Kengtung Airport KZT Kengtung Access point for eastern Shan State.
Tachileik Airport TCH Tachileik Border town with Thailand.
Dawei Airport DVI Dawei Coastal destination in the south.
Myeik Airport MVW Myeik Access to the Mergui Archipelago.
Kawthaung Airport KTW Kawthaung Southernmost airport, gateway to the Andaman Sea.
Sittwe Airport AKY Sittwe Serves Rakhine State.
Thandwe Airport THD Ngapali Beach Popular beach destination.
Bokpyin Airport BPY Bokpyin Serves the southern region.
Kyaukpyu Airport KYP Kyaukpyu Located in Rakhine State.
Pakokku Airport PKU Pakokku Serves the Magway Region.
Shwebo Airport SBW Shwebo Located in Sagaing Region.
Kalay Airport KLY Kalay Serves Sagaing Region, near the India border.
Bhamo Airport BHU Bhamo Located in Kachin State.
Hpa-An Airport HPA Hpa-An Serves Kayin State.

Please note: Airport availability and flight schedules can change. It’s always best to check with airlines directly for the most up-to-date information.

#ff6900 Airlines Serving Myanmar

Several airlines operate within Myanmar, offering a range of domestic and international routes. Some of the major carriers include:

  • Myanmar National Airlines (formerly Union of Myanmar Airways)

  • Golden Myanmar Airlines

  • Air KBZ

  • Yangon Airways

  • Sky Myanmar

  • Asian Wings Airways

International airlines connecting to Myanmar include Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and others, depending on the destination.

#ff6900 Tips for Traveling Through Myanmar Airports

  • Allow ample time: Check-in and security procedures can sometimes be slower than in other countries, especially at smaller airports.

  • Cash is king: While credit cards are accepted at some international airport facilities, it’s advisable to have sufficient Myanmar Kyat (MMK) for smaller expenses.

  • Baggage allowances: Familiarize yourself with the baggage allowances of your chosen airline.

  • Visa requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visa for Myanmar before your arrival. An e-Visa is often the most convenient option.

  • Stay hydrated: Myanmar can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water, especially during transit.

#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main international airport in Myanmar?
A1: Yangon International Airport (RGN) is the largest and busiest international airport in Myanmar.

Q2: Can I get a visa on arrival at Myanmar airports?
A2: Generally, no. Most travelers require an e-Visa obtained before arrival. Check the latest visa regulations on the official Myanmar government website.

Q3: How easy is it to fly between cities in Myanmar?
A3: Relatively easy, but domestic flights are often the quickest and most convenient way to travel long distances due to road conditions.

Q4: Are there many direct international flights to Myanmar?
A4: Direct flights are increasing, but many international travelers will connect through hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur.

Q5: What facilities can I expect at a smaller domestic airport?
A5: Smaller airports typically have basic facilities like check-in counters, security screening, and waiting areas. Amenities like restaurants and shops may be limited.

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