Air reports

Mandalay

Air Bagan, Myanmar’s new private domestic airline, started scheduled flights at the beginning of 2005 to Myitkyina and Putao on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and to Myeik and Dawei on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is also operating regular flights to Yangon, Nyaung U, Mandalay, Heho, Thandwe, Pathein, Kengtong and Tachileik, and arranges charter flights to Monywa and Ka-le.

There has been wide speculation that Bangkok Airways plans to establish a new airline in Myanmar called Irrawady Airways. If approved by the Myanmar government, the airline could begin operating domestic routes by the end of this year.

In July 2006, the Yangon Airport will open with upgraded facilities and an extended runway that can accommodate larger aircraft, including Boeing 747 airplanes. The renovation project will double the size of the airport terminal.

At a recent ASEAN meeting in Cambodia, officials from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos agreed to open direct air links with Myanmar, which will mean that direct flights between the countries will soon be available. Respective governments have already asked local airlines to conduct market surveys into the feasibility of the proposals.

During the monsoon season

Ngapali Beach

June meant the start of the rainy season in Myanmar and a welcome relief from the oppressing heat for the people and the dry conditions for agriculture. For tours during that period the following things should be kept in mind:
- Coastal areas are most affected by the monsoon. The beach areas (Ngwe Saung, Chuang Tha and Ngapali) are rained in and most hotels, especially in Ngapali, are closed. The Arakan region (Sittwe and Mrauk U) will also be affected and is not recommended during this period
- For treks in the Kalaw and Inle area bring good trekking shoes and a rain cover.
- Out of the main tourist sites, Yangon will endure above average rainfall while Bagan, Mandalay and Inle can be visited without problems except an occasional rain shower.

During the months that Ngapali Beach will experience heavy rains; a number of resorts will close down or operate with a limited number of rooms. The Sandoway Resort will be closed until 30^th September. The Bay View Resort will open 8 pool view rooms and close its Sunset Bar and sea view rooms and suites. The Hotel@Ngapali Beach will open 8 of its superior bungalows, and the Silver Beach Hotel and Amata Resort will close until September.

In Ngwe Saung Beach, the Palm Beach Resort will close till 15^th October and the Sunny Paradise Resort will close until September.