The construction work of Falam (Surbung) airport will be finalized in coming May and the kind of ATR-72 planes can land at the new airport, according to Department for Civil Aviation (DCA).
The airport is located in the middle of Chin State and it is connected with towns such as Falam, Lonpi Mountain, Haka, Thantlang and Tiddim, Reik Lake to reach all airports in states and regions.
The airport is installed with necessary navigation facilities used in mountainous areas such as DVOR, AWOS, Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAP), Runway Lighting, Rotation Beacon, HF and VHF systems.
The projects to build a new Falam airport and to upgrade Thandwe airport will be carried out using state owned funds in 2019-20 FY.
“The 6000-feet long runway is paved with tar and concrete. The construction work of airport building, air traffic control tower and fire services building are finished,” said Deputy Minister Kyaw Myo for Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The ministry asked for Ks141.112 billion for projects with foreign aid and loans in 2020-21 FY.
More than 4,000 out of over 6,000 feet of runway have been built, according to the department.
“The airport project started in April 2016. It can facilitate transportation, social, health, administration, economy, trade, tourism and emergency rescue operations for locals,” said Director Kyaw Soe from Aerodrome Standards and Safety Division under the department.
The airport is being built as locals solely depend on roads for the transportation in the state and transportation is difficult in the rainy season.
Once it is completed, it will become the aerial gateway of Chin State and will enable visitors to reach Chin State in a short time. It can send local products across the country easily.
