Initial reports say the site chosen for Chin’s airport is the same one that British surveyors suggested back in 1934. The site is close to Falam Township. Its approach is not impeded by mountains and it also does not usually get hit by violent winds owing to its relative flatness when compared to other areas of Chin.
As long ago as the 1930s, British colonial rulers recommended building an airport in the inaccessible western state. The plan was shelved during WWII, but state authorities and residents started pushing for an airport in the 1960s. Chin is the final one of the country’s states with no airport.
Local councillors in the state welcomed the decision to build the airport, but expressed frustration at the delay. One, Salai Lal Tin Mang, stated that the government’s budget allocation was not enough either as it would cost at least MMK15 billion to build an airport large enough to accommodate medium-sized aircraft and their passengers.
Another councillor added that an airport would provide tourists with easier access to Chin as they would not have to make arduous overland journeys from Bagan. Chin State saw only 1,000 foreign tourists two years ago and is currently one of the last global frontiers not on mainstream tourism itineraries.
Myanmar state to get first public airport
News in Asia
Myanmar’s government has given the thumbs up for the construction of the first public airport in Chin State. The government has approved an initial budget of MMK1 billion for the next two years to get the project off the ground.