Myanmar regime to reopen Rakhine air route amid intensifying airstrikes

Myanmar’s military regime is preparing to resume commercial flights between Yangon and Manaung Island—one of only three townships in Rakhine State that it still controls—even as it continues to bomb territories held by the Arakan Army (AA). Test flights are expected to take place this week ahead of any formal reopening, a source familiar with the situation said. “For now, a test flight is more likely than a full resumption of regular services,” said a source close to Manaung Public Co., Ltd., a company established in 2014 to develop tourism on the island. “Even if flights resume, they may only run for about a month in May, as operations are usually suspended during the rainy season,” he added. Authorities have not announced official start dates or ticket prices for the Yangon-Manaung route. The service had been suspended since before the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021 coup, reportedly due to safety concerns over ageing aircraft. Flights on the route were previously operated by Myanmar National Airlines using Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft from late 2015, typically halting during the monsoon season. Elsewhere in Rakhine State, limited domestic flights to Sittwe and Kyaukphyu—both still under military control—have also resumed following a brief suspension that began late last month due to the fuel crisis resulting from the US-Israel war on Iran. Services were put on hold on March 21 and gradually restarted from March 26. The planned reopening of the Manaung route follows a directive from junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who last month ordered the prioritisation of flights to 11 destinations: Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung in Rakhine State; Kawthaung and Myeik in Tanintharyi Region; Homalin, Hkamti, and Kalay in Sagaing Region; Myitkyina and Putao in Kachin State; and Tachileik in eastern Shan State. The AA has taken control of 14 of Rakhine State’s 17 townships since launching a major offensive against the regime in November 2023 as part of Operation 1027. While the junta has retaken much of the territory that it lost to the AA’s allies in northern Shan State, the AA continues to hold some 90 percent of Rakhine State. The military retains control of only three townships in the state: the capital Sittwe; Kyaukphyu, home to major Chinese-backed infrastructure projects; and Manaung Island. The AA has vowed to take full control of these areas by the end of next year. While Manaung has been largely spared the intense clashes seen near Kyaukphyu and Sittwe, residents remain heavily restricted. Locals say they have been forced to rely on sea transport as the military seeks to sever all contact with AA-controlled areas. Meanwhile, the regime continues carry out air and naval attacks on AA territory, killing civilians as it targets residential areas, hospitals, and monasteries.

Myanmar regime to reopen Rakhine air route amid intensifying airstrikes

Plans to restart flights from Yangon to Manaung Island come as the junta escalates its attacks on other areas outside of its control

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