Govt urged to scrap Nay Pyi Taw airport project

The airport is being financed by a loan from China's Import and Export Bank and the Myanmar government.

Asia World has implemented the first phase of building the airport. But the number of flights to the capital has not increased over time and, therefore, the company decided to approach the Myanmar government about scrapping the current project. 

“The majority of foreign airlines don’t land in Nay Pyi Taw airport. The government is still discussing  whether it should go ahead with the project or not,” said Win Swe Tun, deputy director of the Department for Civil Aviation.

The Nay Pyi Taw airport terminal was constructed at a cost of US$235 million and opened on  December 19, 2011. Pioneer Aerodrome Services takes the responsibility of ground services.

“The profit and loss of an airport depends on airlines. Arrivals of foreign airlines depend on businessmen. Nay Pyi Taw is not a commercial city but just a city of government offices.

Most of the visitors to Nay Pyi Taw are politicians or guests of the government. Only when there are international seminars will foreign airlines land. 

“Now that they are at a loss and  want the government to scrap it is inappropriate,” said Myat Thin Aung, chairperson of Hlaing Thatyar industrial zone, on handing over the airport to the government. “They have to wait for a certain time. The government has to think seriously how to handle the matter. Both sides have to respect the contract.” 

“They have to consider another way as the government will also face difficulties if they are to take back the airport,” said Chit Khaing, chairperson of Myanmar Rice Industry. “They have to seek advice from a third party. Asia World said they are facing a loss and has asked the government to take it back. It shouldn’t be like that,” he said.