Yangon, April 24, 2020: Yangon International Airport (“YIA”), the main international aviation gateway to Myanmar, handled 1.46 million passengers in the first quarter of 2020 (“1Q2020”) – a 17.14% decrease compared to the same period last year – reflecting the challenges to the global aviation sector following travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yangon Aerodrome Company Limited (“YACL”), operator of YIA, said international passenger traffic declined 26.2% to 883,149 from 1,196,042 over the comparative periods. However, domestic passenger traffic increased by 2.1% to 572,656 from 560,978, respectively.
Aircraft movements for 1Q2020 total 18,949, a 3.96% increase compared to the same period a year ago, reflecting the higher proportion of domestic flights that use smaller aircraft compared to international carriers during this period.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation and as decided by the Department of Civil Aviation, were suspended all international flights to/from YIA since 30 March 2020 until 30 April 2020, and some domestic flights are operating with minimal frequencies. However, some cargo and relief flights that deliver essential goods and services are still being performed.
YACL has enhanced safety measures at all terminals and public areas to contain the spread of COVID-19, as per its Public Health Contingency Plan, including the installation of temperature control screeners, increasing the frequency of cleaning services, mechanisms for social distancing and dissemination of important information regarding hygiene and symptoms awareness. YACL has also limited entry to YIA’s premises only to passengers with valid travel documents and airport personnel on duty.
Mr. Jose Angeja, Chief Operating Officer of YACL, said: “The COVID-19 situation is heavily impacting the aviation industry in Myanmar and the rest of the world, creating adversities and inconveniences for the normal mobility of people in what concerns Air Transport. However, at this particular stage, our priority as the operator of YIA is to ensure that Government orientations are fully implemented and followed, as well as the safety and well- being of airport staff and passengers.
We are in continuous communication with the Ministry of Health and Sports and with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, and doing all at our reach to sustain the outbreak and support the health initiatives of the Myanmar Government.”
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
