As fighting approaches Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State, reports suggest that an increasing number of individuals are fleeing to Yangon, leading to a dramatic rise in flight fares from Kyaukphyu to Yangon, reaching an unprecedented level of over 2 million kyats.

Recently, as the conflict in Kyaukphyu Township has escalated and is close to the city, more and more individuals are fleeing to other cities, including Yangon.

A woman traveling from Kyaukphyu to Yangon reported that flight ticket prices have surged to more than 2 million kyats this December.

“Within this single month, the cost has increased to 2 million kyats. Numerous individuals are travelling to Yangon, and if you are in a hurry to leave, you've got to pay 2,000,000 kyats," she clarified.

In the past, a flight ticket from Kyaukpyu to Yangon was priced between 700,000 and 1,000,000 kyats; however, residents have reported that there has been a recent rise to more than 2,000,000 kyats.

This December, there has been an increase in the number of people leaving Kyaukphyu for other regions. Some local brokers have exploited this situation, colluding with military-supported groups to extort money from the residents, as stated by a woman interviewed by Narinjara.

“Brokers are present throughout Kyaukphyu, asking for more money for airfare. They receive certificates from the organization and collaborate with local authorities," she stated.

Since November 2023, when hostilities restarted in Rakhine State, residents of Arakan have been unable to access mainland Burma. As a result, numerous individuals have chosen Kyaukphyu airport as their main place to depart for Yangon.

A local resident stated, "Yesterday, approximately 50 people arrived in Kyaukpyu town and were allowed to enter, but they are not yet permitted to exit the city."

Since November 2023, the military commission has limited all land and water routes linking Rakhine to the mainland, permitting only air travel from Kyaukpyu and Sittwe, which are both under military control.

The loud noises of heavy and small arms fire, along with bombings from confrontations between the AA and military forces near Kyaukpyu town, have caused numerous residents to flee to the mainland.

In Kyaukpyu township, intense clashes between the AA and the military persist in areas such as Thaing Chaung and Min Pyin.