Operations at Mandalay International Airport remain suspended after an air traffic control tower collapsed during yesterday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake with several casualties. Naypyidaw International Airport was also closed by the tremor.
Myanmar news reports indicate that a tower at Naypyidaw Airport collapsed, resulting in injuries and fatalities among some aviation personnel, while inside the terminals ceilings collapsed and there was significant structural damage in some areas.
Passengers rushed out of the airport buildings for safety and gathered near the runways. Myanmar Airways International flight 8M361 from Bangkok diverted to Yangon International Airport.
The quake caused widespread disruption to aviation operations across Southeast Asia.
THAI Airways confirmed continued service at Suvarnabhumi Airport from 3:00 PM, while six Airports of Thailand reported no structural damage.
Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air maintained normal operations with minor adjustments due to safety checks and air traffic control coordination.
An update from Thailand Tourism shared:
- The AOT (Airports of Thailand) has completed inspections of 6 airports confirming the structural integrity of the infrastructure
- Rail services between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station and Rangsit may face delays due to structural inspections on elevated tracks. Safety checks are ongoing.
- MRT Blue and Purple Lines are temporarily suspended.
- BTS Skytrain is also temporarily suspended due to emergency protocols.
- Travellers are advised to monitor updates from each operator for local travel advice.
