Myanmar suspends select domestic routes to curb Covid-19 surge

Myanmar’s airlines have temporarily suspended flights to six domestic airports from 29 May to 8 June, in line with the government’s movement restrictions for certain townships to curb a rise in Covid-19 cases that began last week. Myanmar Airways International and Air KBZ have cancelled flights to Tachileik, Kalay, Kaing Tong, Dawei, Myeik and Kawthaung over this period, the airlines said in 28 May updates on their respective official Facebook accounts. Myanmar’s Department of Civil Aviation states on its website that the suspension of flights to the six domestic airports was due to rising infections in the Tanintharyi Region and Shan State as well as in neighbouring countries India and Thailand. Since 27 May, Myanmar has seen a rise in Covid-19 infections to a daily average of more than 60 new cases reported, according to daily updates by the Ministry of Health and Sports. The figure compares with a daily average of 19 new cases reported 1-26 May. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has recorded over 143,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to WHO figures. International flights to the capital city have been suspended since 30 March 2020.<br/>