Junta’s planned Manaung Airport expansion raises fears of military use

By Admin 04 Nov 2026

DMG Newsroom

4 November 2026, Manaung

The military junta is planning to expand the runway at Manaung Airport in Manaung Township, Arakan State, an area under regime control, to allow larger commercial and transport aircraft to land.

Under the pretext of facilitating passenger travel for local residents, runway expansion work has reportedly begun, with residents saying larger aircraft will replace the small planes currently in service, which carry around 10 passengers.

"The airport has been closed for more than two weeks for the runway extension work," a male resident of Manaung Town told DMG. "We understand that larger aircraft will replace the current small planes. While this expansion could benefit passengers, there are broader concerns."

Local residents said the small aircraft currently operating on the Manaung–Yangon route can carry only around 10 passengers per flight.

Air services to Manaung Island were suspended following the February 2021 military coup and resumed on April 24, 2026.

Because the military regime has blockaded Manaung Island and severed land and water transport links with the rest of Arakan State, residents must rely exclusively on-air travel.

While the regime has set the official fare for a Manaung–Yangon flight at K630,000, travelers say actual ticket prices on the black market have risen to more than K2 million.

Flights operate three days a week, connecting Manaung with Yangon, Kyaukphyu and Sittwe, with tickets jointly sold by Myanmar National Airlines and Manaung Public Company.

More than 500 people have applied to the Manaung General Administration Department for permission to travel to Yangon. However, many patients requiring urgent medical treatment face severe hardship because tickets remain unobtainable.

Although the regime claims the expansion is intended to improve public transport, local residents are deeply concerned that the airport could be used for military logistics.

"While expanding air travel appears positive for passengers, active fighting continues to escalate across Arakan State," another male resident said. "We are deeply concerned that the military will use the expanded Manaung airfield for military operations and troop deployments."

The current runway expansion follows campaign promises made in November 2025 by Rakhine Nationalities Party (RNP) Chairman U Ba Shein, who advocated expanding Manaung Airport and restoring regular flight services.

Of the three remaining urban areas under regime control in Arakan State, Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung, Manaung Island has not yet experienced active ground battles.

However, the regime's restrictions on transport and communications have contributed to rising prices of basic commodities, causing severe economic hardship for working-class residents.

Meanwhile, the military junta has reinforced its military presence on Manaung Island by deploying additional naval forces and warships in the surrounding coastal waters.