Driven by surge in travel to Yangon amid Rakhine conflict air tickets sold out till third week of March

Due to the fear of conflicts in Sittwe, a large number of Rakhine residents start seeking refuge in Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, which results in selling out all airline tickets  till the middle of March, said the airline service agencies.

"Air KBZ tickets will be available only after 10 March. Myanmar Airways International tickets are expected to be available only after 20 March, whereas Mann Yadanarpon Airlines tickets will be available only in April," said a ticket seller.

He  mentioned that the price range for a KBZ flight ticket is from Kyats 360,000  to 440,000, for MAI Kyats  355,000 and Mann Yadanarpon Airlines from Kyats 179,000 to 249,000.

Many individuals are flying from Sittwe to Yangon, but the return journey has limited passengers with some goods only.

"More passengers are travelling on  flights from Sittwe to Yangon. But many flights from Yangon to Sittwe are operating with very few passengers. These flights are primarily carrying goods to Sittwe. More people are  heading for Yangon since the conflict started in Rakhine State," said another ticket seller.

Since the commencement of Rakhine resurgence battles on 13 November, a good number of individuals from Sittwe and surrounding localities have moved to Yangon apprehending

clashes in Sittwe.

"Ever since the fighting began, those with financial capacities have moved to Yangon due to their concerns on potential conflicts in Sittwe. There is no forest or mountain in Sittwe to hide in need. That's why they decided to flee to Yangon," said a Sittwe resident.

"I visited the market and  noticed some shops were closed. Later I came to know that the shop owners had gone to Yangon. We cannot afford to make the trip. We feel vulnerable while thinking about the possible conflicts," said a woman from Sittwe.

Two companies are currently arranging flights in partnership with Myanmar Airlines and offering tickets to individuals who want to travel to Yangon urgently.

"Two companies from  Yangon are organizing the charter flights for individuals. The ticket price is around Kyats 355,000. M any individuals are now playing the role of brokers  in dealing with the air tickets,” said an airline ticket provider.

Certain individuals have purchased the air tickets in advance and now they are selling with high prices. It has created significant difficulties for those who need to visit Yangon for health or business purposes urgently.

Now the KBZ and Myanmar Airlines have decided not to allow any person to fly in other’s name, so that the brokers can be discouraged.