On schedule, a new terminal opens at Yangon airport. In 2013 plans were announced to extend facilities for international flights. Phase one of the improvements were scheduled for completion in two years, raising capacity to 5.5 million passengers per year. Once fully completed, reports indicate capacity will be 20 million.

We have always said Myanmar is the place to invest and this enhances further our advice and opinion. Indeed, adding to this news, we also summarise below plans for a further airport, North of Yangon, with a budget of US$1.5 billion. If you are not yet operating in Myanmar call us now to discuss your plans. Project numbers are growing in quantity and value.

Some improvements had been carried out to the international terminal in 2011 to meet IATA service standards and to comply with ICAO safety and security standards. In 2006 international passenger numbers were reported as 800,000 per year. Passenger numbers continued to grow rapidly every year. The improvements had improved the capacity to 2.7 million passengers and Government sources state that in 2014 passenger numbers were 4 million, so further improvements were needed.

Now this new terminal, called T1, has more capacity and several carriers. Myanmar Airways International, the national carrier plus 28 international airlines and new routes. For example, Emirates announced at the end of February, a new route, Dubai to Yangon to Hanoi operating on a daily basis from August 2016. Automated baggage handling systems, integrated check-in systems, duty free outlets (to be operated by DFS Group), air bridges for Boeing 747s and multi-story car parks have all been added.

The project was completed by Asia World Group, who operate Terminal 2, which handles domestic flights. Work has also started on new improvements for T2. Yangon Airport new terminal opens with more International flights – T1. The US chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC, has announced its restaurant will open in T1 in this month. The airport is 15 kilometres north of downtown Yangon. The area will also see further enhancements with hotels and an arts centre.

Further north, a new consortium comprising Singapore based JGC Corporation, Yongnam Holdings Limited and Changi Airports International have signed a “Framework Agreement” with Myanmar’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), for the Hanthawaddy International Airport project. Reports indicate a budget of US$1.5 billion, completion 2022, over 3,642 hectares and located 80 kilometres North East of Yangon. The Hanthawaddy International Airport is planned to open with a capacity of 12 million passengers per year. But further plans show it will become the largest airport in Myanmar with further enhancements to grow capacity.