Yangon International Airport
Yangon International Airport (Burmese: ရန်ကုန်အပြည်ပြည်ဆိုင်ရာလေဆိပ်; MLCTS: rankun apranyprany hcuingra lehcip [jàɴɡòʊɰ̃ əpjìpjì sʰàɪɴjà lèzeɪʔ]) (IATA: RGN, ICAO: VYYY) is the primary and busiest international airport of Myanmar. The airport is located in Mingaladon, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) north of central Yangon. All ten Myanmar carriers and about 30 international airlines operate at Yangon International Airport. The airport is also colloquially known as Mingaladon Airport due to its location.
Yangon International Airport ရန်ကုန်အပြည်ပြည်ဆိုင်ရာလေဆိပ် | |||||||||||
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| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Public | ||||||||||
| Owner | Government of the Republic of Union of Myanmar | ||||||||||
| Operator | Yangon Aerodrome Co., Ltd | ||||||||||
| Serves | Yangon | ||||||||||
| Location | Mingaladon 11021, Yangon Yangon Division, Myanmar | ||||||||||
| Opened | 1947 | ||||||||||
| Hub for | |||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 109 ft / 33 m | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 16°54′26″N 96°07′59″E / 16.90722°N 96.13306°E | ||||||||||
| Website | yangonairport.aero | ||||||||||
| Maps | |||||||||||
RGN Location of airport in Myanmar | |||||||||||
| Runways | |||||||||||
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| Statistics (2018) | |||||||||||
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Source: Yangon Aerodrome Co. Ltd.[1] | |||||||||||
History edit
During World War II, the airfield was called RAF Mingaladon and served as an operating base for fighter aircraft such as:
- No. 60 Squadron RAF from February 1941 to February 1942 flying Bristol Blenheim I
- No. 67 Squadron RAF from October 1941 to March 1942 flying Brewster F2A Buffalo and Hawker Hurricane IIs
- No. 135 Squadron RAF from January–February 1942 flying Hawker Hurricane IIs
- No. 681 Squadron RAF from June to September 1945 flying Supermarine Spitfire
- 3rd Squadron of 1st American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) of the Chinese Air Force flying Curtiss P-40s
There was also a Communication Flight of the Burma Volunteer Air Force equipped with Tiger Moths and Westland Lysanders and anti-aircraft support for the airfield was provided by members of the 12th Burma Rifles.
Mingaladon was then used by the Japanese, and Japanese bombers based in Bangkok were moved forward to Mingaladon when there was a full moon. The British at the Wireless Experimental Centre in Delhi had decrypted BULBUL, the IJA air-to-ground code, and could predict Japanese air raids. On one occasion Allied nightfighters "got the lot and all night we could hear Mingaladon air base calling for its lost children".[2]
Additional units;
- Air Headquarters Burma Communication Squadron RAF[3]
- Air Headquarters Burma Communication Flight RAF[3]
- Air Headquarters Netherlands East Indies Communication Squadron RAF[4]
- No. 221 Group Communication Squadron RAF[5]
After World War II, Yangon Airport was built on the site of the former RAF Mingaladon in 1947 by the Calcutta Metropolitan Airports Authority. Once regarded as the best in Southeast Asia and the primary airport serving that region, the airport fell into disrepair and remained that way for decades, as new super hubs like Singapore Changi Airport, Kuala Lumpur Sepang, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta were built and superseded Yangon's facilities.
In November 2012, Condor began flying seasonally to Frankfurt with Boeing 767s. The outbound flight from Yangon made a stop in Phuket, but the inbound one was direct.[6][7] The airline cut the route at the end of the first season.[8] Airport capacity was boosted to 6 million passengers per year in early 2016.[citation needed] Currently, there are plans to build a new, larger airport, Hanthawaddy International Airport, on a much larger site and somewhat away from Yangon.[citation needed]
Modernization edit
A modernization program was launched in April 2003 and resulted in a new terminal and an extended 3414 m runway.[9]
Designed by the Airport Development Division of CPG Corporation of Singapore, a new terminal was constructed at a cost of US$13.3 million by Asia World.[10] It can handle 900 arriving and 900 departing passengers simultaneously.[11] The design meets IATA service standards and complies with ICAO safety and security standards at a cost of SG$30 million. Other notable features include:
- Separate floors for arriving and departing passengers to lessen congestion
- Automated baggage handling system with an integrated check-in system
- Four air bridges, capable of handling four Boeing 747s
- Special lounges for use by government officials and business people
- A two-story parking garage with spaces for 340 vehicles
In June 2011, the government announced plans to expand the airport by 40% and increase its capacity from 2.7 million passengers to 3.8 million passengers annually.[12] The airport was already over its annual capacity of 2.7 million passengers, having accepted 3.1 million in 2012[13] and 4 million in 2014.[14] To fulfill this increased demand, new international and domestic terminals are being constructed and are expected to be finished end of 2016. After upgrading, Yangon International Airport will be able to service 6 million passengers annually.[14]
In 2013, a contract worth $150 million was awarded to a consortium led by an affiliate of Asia World to construct a new domestic terminal and expansion of airport apron.[13]
The new international terminal (T1) opened in March 2016, with the previously existing international terminal being designated as T2. The new domestic terminal (T3) opened on 5 December 2016.
Terminals edit
Terminal 1 edit
In August 2014, the old domestic terminal was demolished and construction began for the new six-story Terminal 1 which will handle international flights. The opening ceremony was held on 12 March 2016. After the opening of Terminal 1, the airport can handle 6 million passengers annually, as opposed to 2.7 million before.
Terminal 2 edit
After the opening of Terminal 1, the former International Terminal was renamed "Terminal 2." The building was designed by the CPG Corporation of Singapore and constructed by the Asia World Company costing US$13.3 million. The terminal can handle 900 arriving passengers and 900 departing passengers at the same time. Terminal 2 was closed in July 2018 to undergo extensive renovation. All international flights now operate from Terminal 1.
Terminal 3 edit
Terminal 3, which is used for domestic flights, opened on 5 December 2016, replacing the old domestic terminal which was demolished in August 2014.[15]
Guard of Honour Building (VIP Terminal) edit
The former VIP terminal was temporarily used as the domestic terminal until Terminal 3 was completed. The Guard of Honour Building has been demolished to make way for a connector between Terminals 1 and 2.
Airlines and destinations edit
Passenger edit
Cargo edit
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Longhao Airlines | Nanning |
| Tianjin Air Cargo | Nanning |
| Qatar Cargo | Doha |
| YTO Cargo Airlines | Kunming |
Statistics edit
Top destinations edit
| Rank | Destinations | Frequency (Weekly) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi | 58 |
| 2 | Mandalay | 44 |
| 3 | Heho | 30 |
| 4 | Bangkok–Don Meung | 27 |
| 5 | Sittwe | 26 |
| 6 | Singapore-Changi | 20 |
| 7 | Thandwe | 25 |
| 8 | Bagan-Nyaung U | 24 |
| 9 | Myeik | 22 |
| 10 | Kuala Lumpur–International | 19 |
Traffic by calendar year edit
| Passengers | Change from previous year | Movements | Cargo (tons) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5,454,188 | 70,307 | ||
| 2017 | 5,916,597 | 8.48% | 78,076 | |
| 2018 | 6,104,854 | 3.18% | ||
| Source: Yangon International Airport[1] | ||||
Accidents and incidents edit
- On 25 March 1978, Fokker F-27 Friendship 200 XY-ADK lost height and crashed into a paddy field just after takeoff from Mingaladon Airport, killing all 48 people on board.[35]
- On 27 January 1998, a Myanma Airways Fokker F27 crashed while taking off from Yangon, Myanmar, killing 16 of the 45 people on board.
- On 29 January 2017, U Ko Ni, a constitutional lawyer and advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi was assassinated outside of Gate 6.
- On 8 May 2019, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Flight 60, operating the Dhaka-Yangon route by Bombardier Dash-8 Q400, skidded off the runway while landing. Nobody was injured critically. The 33 people, including the pilot, co-pilot and the passengers, suffered minor injuries.[36]
- On 2 August 2019 a Golden Myanmar Airlines Y5-506 ATR-72-600 departed from Mandalay to Yangon airport, and the landing gear of nose wheel broke when it landed on the runway of Yangon International Airport. No significant damage or injuries were reported in the incident.[37]
Airport shuttle bus edit
The Yangon Bus Service (YBS) provides airport shuttle bus line that stop at 13 bus stops between Yangon International Airport and Yangon Central Railway Station. The buses make stops at Yangon International Airport, 8 Mile, Nawade, Kaba-Aye Pagoda, Lanni, Hanmithit, Shwegondine, Bahan 3rd Street, Kyauktaing, Yauklan and Sule Pagoda. Stops on the return journey include Sule, Yangon Railway Station, Zoological Gardens, Bahan 3rd Street, Shwegondine, Lanni, Kaba-Aye Pagoda, Nawade, 8 Mile and the airport.[38] The fare is 500 kyats (approximately 15 U.S. cents).
See also edit
References edit
Citations edit
- ^ a b . Yangon Aerodrome. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018.
- ^ Smith, Michael (2000). The Emperor's Codes: Bletchley Park and the breaking of Japan's secret ciphers. London: Bantam Press. pp. 244–246. ISBN 0593-046412.
- ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 129.
- ^ Lake 1999, p. 18.
- ^ Lake 1999, p. 126.
- ^ . Airline Route. 19 January 2012. Archived from the original on 21 January 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ Khanna, Rahul (24 September 2012). "Condor to fly to Yangon in November". TTG Asia. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ "Flight plan Winter 2013/14" (PDF). Condor. March 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ . 28 July 2008. Archived from the original on 15 February 2012.
- ^ "Yangon International Airport opens new terminal". 25 July 2007.
- ^ "Yangon international airport terminal put into service after renovation". 25 May 2007.
- ^ Aye Sapay Phyu (20 June 2011). . Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on 21 June 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
- ^ a b "Myanmar Air Services Grow Rapidly Despite Safety Record". 22 October 2013.
- ^ a b "A 2015 finish planned for first part of Yangon airport expansion". 2 February 2014.
- ^ "လေဆိပ်".
- ^ a b c "Mainland Chinese Carriers NS23 International / Regional Network – 23APR23". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
- ^ "Air India Flight AI236 (AIC236)–Delhi (DEL) to Yangon (RGN)-22 Feb 2023". FlightAware.
- ^ "Hohhot airport launches routes to Hong Kong, Yangon". China Daily. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
- ^ "China Eastern NW22 International / Regional Operations – 16OCT22". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
- ^ "China Southern / Xiamen Airlines NW22 International / Regional Operations – 16OCT22". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
- ^ "After 3-yr lull, IndiGo to resume flights to China, Myanmar from March 2023". Retrieved 4 November 2022.
- ^ "MYANMAR AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL ADDS BANGKOK DON MUEANG FROM MID-JUNE 2023". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
- ^ "MYANMAR AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL ADDS REGULAR CHENNAI FLIGHTS IN NS23". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ "Myanmar Airways International Adds Chiang Mai Service in 2Q24". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
- ^ a b https://www.gnlm.com.mm/mai-to-expand-chiang-mai-vientiane-dhaka-flights-in-april/
- ^ a b "Hãng hàng không tư nhân lớn nhất Myanmar sắp có mặt tại Việt Nam" [Myanmar's largest private airline is coming to Vietnam soon]. Bao Giao Thong (in Vietnamese). 19 August 2022.
- ^ "MAI Suspends Mandalay – Novosibirsk in April 2024". AeroRoutes. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ "Myanmar Airways International Adds Phuket Service in late-Sep 2022". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- ^ 미얀마국제항공(8M) 12월 4일 인천- 양곤 취항으로 편리해지는 미얀마 하늘길. www.ttlnews.com (in Korean).
- ^ "Myanmar Airways International Resumes Taipei Service in Jan 2023". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
- ^ "Myanmar Airways International to commence Yangon-Gaya service". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ Liu, Jim. "Myanmar Airways International adds Hangzhou service in 3Q19". Routesonline. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
- ^ "Thai Airways International Yangon Service Changes From mid-July 2023". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
- ^ https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airports/rgn
- ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
- ^ "Biman Airlines Plane Skids Off Runway in Yangon, Myanmar". The New York Times. 8 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
- ^ "Yangon airport runway closed temporarily after a plane nose wheel breaks". Mizzima News. 9 August 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
- ^ . www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
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Bibliography edit
- Lake, A (1999). Flying units of the RAF. Shrewsbury: Airlife. ISBN 1-84037-086-6.
External links edit
- Media related to Yangon International Airport at Wikimedia Commons
- Yangon International Airport
- Yangon International Airport Facebook