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Loikaw flights suspended until further notice after rocket attack
All domestic flights to and from Loikaw Airport in the Kayah State capital have been suspended until further notice, according to locals. The stoppage of flights followed a rocket attack at the airport earlier this month.
13 Jan 2023
DMG Newsroom
13 January 2023, Loikaw, Kayah State
All domestic flights to and from Loikaw Airport in the Kayah State capital have been suspended until further notice, according to locals. The stoppage of flights followed a rocket attack at the airport earlier this month.
The suspension of flights at Loikaw Airport has been in effect since January 3, according to an air ticket agent in Loikaw.
“It has been more than one week since the flights were suspended,” he said.
Domestic carriers Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) and Air KBZ operate flights to Loikaw.
The runway and some buildings at Loikaw Airport were damaged in a rocket attack on January 3 and flights were suspended thereafter, according to an airport source.
“There was a rocket attack at night. The runway is completely out of commission. The airport lounge was also damaged. This is why flights were suspended,” said the source.
Large contingents of Myanmar military troops and police personnel are currently deployed near the airport, according to local sources.
“They have blocked off the airport, and check every vehicle that goes near the airport. I saw soldiers and police providing security there,” said a Loikaw resident.
Two passengers were also injured when an MNA passenger flight on approach to Loikaw from Yangon was shot by unknown gunmen in September of last year.