Myanmar military seeks to reopen Chin State airport after retaking Falam, raising resistance concerns

Myanmar’s military is moving to reopen Surbung Airport after recapturing the northern Chin State town of Falam, a step resistance groups say could eventually enable the junta to launch faster air attacks across one of the country’s most fiercely contested regions. The military says restoring the airport will accelerate reconstruction by allowing building materials to be flown into the area. But local residents and resistance officials say extensive damage to the airport’s infrastructure makes a reopening in the near future unlikely. The junta-controlled Ministry of Construction said Deputy Construction Minister Myo Myint inspected Falam and Surbung Airport on July 3 and found the runway remained in good condition despite significant damage to airport facilities. According to the ministry, runway lighting, communications systems, air navigation equipment, aviation safety facilities, terminal buildings and the control tower all sustained damage during the conflict. Officials said reopening the airport would facilitate reconstruction by improving transport links. Residents familiar with the airport disputed the likelihood of a rapid reopening. “Some of the airport buildings have been damaged, and many of the equipment pieces would have to be imported from overseas,” an official from the Falam Township Association said. “I don’t think it can reopen within this year.” A threat to the resistance Located more than 6,000 feet above sea level, Surbung Airport was built under Myanmar’s elected civilian government and completed shortly before the military seized power in February 2021. Although several aircraft successfully conducted test landings in late 2020, the airport never entered commercial service after the coup triggered nationwide conflict. Resistance forces gained control of the airport around 2024 before capturing Falam in 2025. The military later launched a counteroffensive involving thousands of troops advancing on three fronts before retaking the town in April. Falam lies about 40 miles from Chin State’s capital, Hakha, giving the airport potential strategic value for future military operations. Salai Timmy Htut, spokesperson for the Chin National Defence Force, an anti-regime group formed after the 2021 coup, said converting Surbung into a fully operational military air base capable of supporting fighter jets would require extensive repairs and remain difficult because of ongoing security concerns. “We believe it would be very difficult for the military to fully equip Surbung Airport with all the facilities needed to operate fighter jets,” he said. “The security situation alone makes it extremely challenging.” He said the military’s immediate priority appeared to be restoring civilian operations rather than establishing a permanent air force base. However, he warned that basing combat aircraft in Chin State could significantly alter the conflict. “At present, fighter jets flying from air bases outside Chin State need at least five to 10 minutes to reach targets here,” he said. “If they could station military aircraft inside Chin State, they would be able to strike virtually anywhere within one or two minutes. That would greatly increase the threat facing the resistance.” Myanmar Now sought comment from the Chin National Army, the Chin Defence Force-Civic Defence Militia-Siyin and other Chin resistance groups, but none responded before publication. ‘Fighting has to end’ Years of fighting have left Falam heavily damaged. More than 10,000 residents fled during the conflict, according to local estimates, and only about 2,000 have returned. Hundreds of displaced residents sought refuge in neighbouring Kalay Township in Sagaing Region. While nearly 500 have returned to Falam, many remain displaced because of security concerns, employment or their children’s education. “Returning to normal will take time,” one resident said. “Buildings have to be rebuilt, the economy has to recover, and above all, the fighting has to end.” The town’s main hospital was destroyed by fire during the fighting and is temporarily operating from the town hall. Schools have recently resumed classes. The military’s gains in northern Chin State have allowed its forces to advance along the Falam-Hakha road and reinforce positions toward Thantlang. In southern Chin State, however, resistance forces continue to resist an offensive by about 2,000 military troops advancing from Magway Region toward Mindat and Kanpetlet. “A few days of heavy rain have grounded the military’s aircraft, so the fighting has become quieter,” a resident of Mindat said. “We haven’t heard of any new reinforcements recently. The troops have pulled back a little.” Although junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has renewed calls for peace talks with ethnic armed organisations since assuming the presidency, military operations have continued in Chin State and neighbouring Sagaing and Magway regions.

Myanmar military seeks to reopen Chin State airport after retaking Falam, raising resistance concerns

The Surbung Airport has been under junta control since April, but is unlikely to be operational before the end of this year, say residents

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