In Sittwe, the capital of Arakan (Rakhine State) and currently under junta control, airfares for flights to Yangon have risen sharply as the country approaches Thingyan, the traditional new year water festival.
Ticket prices are climbing rapidly while seat availability is tightening, driven by a surge in seasonal travel demand ahead of Thingyan and rising aviation fuel costs.
Currently, a one-way ticket from Sittwe to Yangon costs around 1 million MMK, while the return route from Yangon to Sittwe is priced at approximately 900,000 MMK.
Aviation fuel prices have reportedly increased nationwide following recent tensions and conflict developments in the Middle East, further pushing up operational costs for airlines and contributing to higher domestic fares, including routes connected to Arakan State.
“Everything has become difficult these days. Travelling isn’t what it used to be anymore, and airfares have gone up a lot. Earlier, tickets were around 400,000 MMK, but now they’ve jumped to 800,000, 900,000, and even close to 1 million MMK. It’s really hard for people. I think this is because of the fuel situation and flight delays caused by shortages,” said a Sittwe resident.
As airfare now exceeds other domestic routes by a wide margin, many residents in Sittwe are postponing or canceling travel plans related to education, work, and social obligations.
Given that air travel remains the only viable transportation option out of Sittwe amid ongoing conflict, the rising cost of tickets has become a serious concern for local communities.
“It’s hard to say whether the price hike is because of Thingyan or fuel costs. Right now, tickets are over 900,000 MMK. Even though airlines may announce lower official fares, people end up paying much more through resellers. Since flying is the only way to leave Sittwe, I’m really worried if prices keep going up like this,” a woman from Sittwe told MG.
Residents also warned that continued airfare increases will deepen hardship for those needing to travel to Yangon for urgent medical treatment, family matters, and other essential needs.
Since November 2023, the coup regime has maintained a blockade restricting both land and water access to Arakan State, effectively leaving air travel as the sole route for residents traveling to mainland Myanmar.
Before the military takeover, fares on the Sittwe–Yangon route were under 100,000 MMK. By 2024, prices had already climbed to around 400,000 MMK, and they have now surged further to between 900,000 and 1 million MMK in 2026.
