A widespread aviation fuel shortage, linked to a global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East, has suspended most domestic flights across Myanmar, airline industry sources said.
According to aviation sector sources, domestic services have continued only on a very limited basis. However, since March 21, the majority of internal routes—including flights to Sittwe and Kyaukphyu in Arakan (Rakhine) State—have largely halted.
“Flight operations have been temporarily halted due to limited aviation fuel supplies. Right now, flights are only running to Dawei, Myeik, Kawthaung in the southernmost Tanintharyi Region, as well as Kale in northwestern Sagaing Region, plus Mandalay and the capital Naypyidaw. Flights to Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Homalin, Monywa, Kengtung, Tachileik and several other destinations have been suspended,” said a woman working in the air transportation industry. She added that domestic flight schedules have now been reduced to the minimum possible level.
Travel agencies have warned that prolonged disruptions could drive airfares even higher in the coming weeks.
“We heard that flights to Sittwe are suspended until March 26. Even after they restart, they might only operate on a very limited basis, perhaps once a week. Ticket prices are likely to rise further,” a woman from Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State said. Current one-way fares between Sittwe and Yangon already range from 700,000 to 800,000 MMK, with expectations that they could rise as high as 1 million MMK, she told DMG.
Locals in Sittwe also expressed concern that suspending Yangon–Arakan flights would severely impact patients and others needing urgent travel to Yangon. Travel agencies, meanwhile, have been forced to halt ticket sales due to continued uncertainty over schedules.
“We have already stopped selling tickets for about three or four days. Even when systems show flights as scheduled, we can’t guarantee whether they will actually operate or be cancelled. If tickets are issued and flights are later cancelled, we have to process refunds, which creates complicated situations. Cancellations are happening almost every day,” a ticketing agent based in Yangon said. He also advised travelers to be cautious and not rely too heavily on claims of ticket availability.
As the fuel crisis driven by the ongoing Iran–United States–Israel tensions persists, countries worldwide are taking measures to contain the fallout. In Myanmar, the junta has come under increasing public criticism over its response, with several of its actions described as controversial or ineffective.
Meanwhile, despite severe disruptions in civilian aviation, the junta has continued conducting air assault operations across the country.
