Yangon International Airport – Passenger Flights to Remain Suspended
The Yangon Aerodrome Company Limited (YACL), the airport operator of the main international aviation gateway to Myanmar has made an official announcement on Thursday (24th April) that the restrictions on all international passenger flights to and from Yangon International Airport are further extended up to May 15th, 2020 (2359 hours MST).
The move came as a temporary measure in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) through air travel in the country.
The Yangon Aerodrome Company Limited had earlier decided to suspend the landing of all international passenger flights at the airport from March 30th to April 13th which was later extended to April 30th. As per the order by State Counsellor of Myanmar Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi to extend the lockdown it is now further extended to May 15th.
Mr. Jose Angeja, Chief Operating Officer of YACL, has said “The COVID-19 situation is heavily impacting the aviation industry in Myanmar and the rest of the world, creating adversities and inconveniences for the normal mobility of people in what concerns Air Transport. However, at this particular stage, our priority as the operator of YIA is to ensure that Government orientations are fully implemented and followed, as well as the safety and well- being of airport staff and passengers.”
Yangon International Airport (YIA), handled 1.46 million passengers in the first quarter of 2020 (1Q2020) and a 17.14 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year reflecting the challenges to the global aviation sector following travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
YACL has reported that international passenger traffic declined 26.2 per cent to 883,149 from 1,196,042 over the comparative periods. However, domestic passenger traffic increased by 2.1 per cent to 572,656 from 560,978, respectively. Aircraft movements for 1Q2020 total 18,949, a 3.96 per cent increase compared to the same period a year ago, reflecting the higher proportion of domestic flights that use smaller aircraft compared to international carriers during this period.
As of April 25, Myanmar has reported 144 confirmed cases and 5 deaths due to COVID-19. However towards positive side 9 patients have completely recovered till date.
