MAI flight route to Taipei blocked by Chinese government

 His comments were made on the second day of Asean Business and Investment Summit held at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Nay Pyi Taw.

“The routes for a would-be-enlarged flight plan for MAI are still under observation. The amount of money that will actually cost has to be calculated. We need to join hands with people who will support this initiative. Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines are stronger than we are. We are just beginners. We haven’t received any support from the government, and we also face other political and economic problems. Currently, although we want to, we can’t fly to Taipei, where a huge market is located. To fly to Taipei, approval from the Government of China is needed, and we cannot get it,” said Tin Maung Htun.

The condition of Myanmar airports appears to be one obstacle. Myanmar has yet to construct an airport that can serve as an international hub the way Bangkok does.

“As for Bangkok, its airport is like a hub. Myanmar needs to have an airport like that and offer direct flights. Right now, our airport cannot handle that amount of airplanes yet. We will be able to fly internationally only when we have airports like that,” the chairperson added.

Currently, no Myanmar airport can handle the arrival of more than 30 planes per hour.

MAI currently offers direct flights to Korea, Japan, Bangkok, Malaysia, Singapore and Gaya.