Asia-Pacific News

Yangon International Airport opens new terminal

May 25, 2007, 7:07 GMT

Yangon - Yangon International Airport on Friday officially opened its new passenger terminal with capacity to handle 2.7 million visitors a year, state officials said. 'The new terminal building can handle 1,800 passengers per hour and 2.7 million per year, and five aircraft can be landed per hour,' said Myanmar's transport minister, Major General Thein Swe. The new terminal, which cost 13.3 million dollars, was built by the privately owned Asia World Company, a Myanmar construction company. 'In the past, when this kind of modern building was constructed, we had to hire a foreign contractor and consultant, but this new terminal building has been successfully constructed by national experts,' Thein Swe said. Myanmar has been subject to economic sanctions and a cutoff from funds from development banks, such as the World Bank and Asia Development Bank, since 1988 when the military launched a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations that left an estimated 3,000 people dead. Over the past 19 years, nearly all development projects have been self-financed, with many of them handed over to well-connected Myanmar private companies in return for forestry concessions or special business licenses. 'Prior to 1988, the Yangon International Airport was the only airport that could accommodate large aircraft,' said Lieutenant General Thein Sein, first secretary of the State Peace and Development Council, as Myanmar's ruling military junta styles itself. 'But now, there are seven airports, including Mandalay International Airport, where Boeing 747 aircraft can land and 13 airports where aircraft up to Boeing 737 size can land,' said Thein Sein, who attended the Yangon terminal opening ceremony. Yangon International Airport last year handled 800,000 international passengers and 1.2 million domestic passengers. Airlines that currently offer regular flights to Yangon include Thai Airways, Myanma Airways, Silk Air, Indian Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Air China, Qatar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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MyanmarPyiTharMay 25th, 2007 - 10:46:45

Very proud of that! But last 1950 ago,Rangoon Airport is the best and the biggest airport in south east asia. Eventhough we can open 2.7 Million commutors handling airport. Think on what about Bangkok,Singapore Airport and so on........? Have to try hard to keep up with others.

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ThureinJun 3rd, 2007 - 10:29:56

Yes,I totally agree that we have to follow the steps of other developed countries!Many years ago in 1950's,Rangoon airport is the best in South East Asia region.But,now we can't compete with Bangkok,Kuala Lumpur and Singapore airport!!!

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MANDALAYTHARJun 6th, 2007 - 08:46:59

In Yangon, now opened new of the internaional airport is very great.
But many years ago in 1950... Yangon International Airport is the best in South East Asia.In that time we also hope as this level.We should do together for our country 'Myanmar' is the best to travel for other countries.

Welcome from our 'GOlDEN LAND MYANMR'.....................

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ThureinJun 8th, 2007 - 19:13:41

The corruption in Myanmar is very serious!!!I think the government should crush the corruption as much as they can!!!Yangon airport's immigration and custom officers are really corrupted!!!What a shame for them!!!

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Yangon TharJun 8th, 2007 - 19:18:21

Last time I visited to Yangon in 2006,I met electricity breakdown at Yangon international airport.Very bad!!!Ha....Ha....What about now???And what about these corrupted Myanmar officers who don't have shame???They will still continue to ask money from the travellers including Myanmar citizen!!!That's a shame!!!

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myanmar loverJul 2nd, 2008 - 14:54:12

I also have to pay money to the airport officer.I think the government should take response on this case. It disturb the traveler a lot. Their attitude make to be look down to myanmar by others country. I think they should change ............

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golden landerJul 17th, 2008 - 09:27:25

Yes.... although we have the new airport, I hope we would be able to follow up with high standard of maintenance in order to keep it safe and nice.
Could have made it better with the resources and manpower that we have. Sad to say that we are still way behind others in every aspect.

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