Regime renovating Manaung Airport

By Admin 21 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 April 2026, Manaung

The regime is currently renovating the airport in Manaung, Arakan State, which remains under its control, in a move to resume airline operations.

The renovation work is scheduled to be completed within one month, from April 20 to May 20.

Local residents believe the repairs are being carried out in response to public requests, although some say the regime is also prioritizing its own civil and military transportation needs.

“We heard that instructions were given to complete the airport repairs within one month. I believe this is partly due to local requests and partly for their own logistics and food supply reinforcement,” a local man in Manaung said.

Once the renovations are complete, small aircraft with a capacity of about 10 passengers are expected to begin operating flights in May.

However, while flights from Yangon to Manaung are likely to resume, it remains unclear whether outbound travel from Manaung to mainland Myanmar will be allowed.

“While it is certain that flights will arrive from Yangon to Manaung, we are still unsure whether people will be allowed to travel out from Manaung,” a local woman said.

Small aircraft previously operated on routes connecting Yangon, Manaung, Sittwe, and Kyaukphyu, but these services have been suspended since the 2021 military coup.

During a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on March 24, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing instructed that air services to Sittwe, Manaung, and Kyaukphyu in Arakan State must be resumed.

The regime continues to maintain control over Manaung Island, where it has blockaded the township and imposed strict travel restrictions on residents.

Due to the blockade and cut off policies, residents in Manaung are facing significant daily hardships, including limited access to food and healthcare services.