Myanmar’s second-busiest airport, Mandalay International Airport, has been closed for two days following a reported drone attack that has raised fresh concerns about security and civilian travel in the country.
Security sources told AFP that the airport would remain closed today and tomorrow after Myanmar’s military-backed government accused pro-democracy rebel groups of launching drones at the facility. The attack reportedly took place on Thursday afternoon, disrupting flight operations at one of the country’s major domestic and international travel hubs.
According to a statement from the military-backed government, six “suicide drones” targeted the airport. The authorities said the attack caused no casualties, but the incident was enough to disrupt flight schedules and prompt a temporary shutdown.
A security source, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Mandalay airport would be closed as a precaution. The source said the attack occurred some distance from the airport building, but authorities decided to suspend operations to protect passengers and staff.
A second security officer working at another airport in Myanmar also confirmed the closure, saying the facility would remain closed for maintenance until Sunday. The differing explanations highlight the uncertainty surrounding the exact circumstances of the shutdown.
Mandalay airport plays an important role in Myanmar’s transportation network, connecting the central region with other parts of the country and international destinations. Any disruption at the airport can affect passengers, businesses, tourism and families relying on air travel.
The airport’s importance goes beyond civilian transportation. Civilian air raid warning groups have identified the facility as a runway used by military jets launching sorties. However, it has not been independently verified whether the reported attack targeted civilian infrastructure, military operations or both.
AFP reporters have previously witnessed military aircraft flying over Mandalay airport. The military-backed government described the facility in its statement as a “non-military, public transportation system,” but the exact nature of the attack site could not be independently confirmed.
The reported drone attack comes as Myanmar continues to face a devastating civil war that began after the military seized power in 2021. The coup ended a decade-long experiment with democracy and removed the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
Since then, fighting has spread across the country, involving Myanmar’s armed forces, pro-democracy resistance groups and ethnic minority armed organisations. After years of conflict, the military has continued its offensive against the various groups challenging its rule.
The government blamed Thursday’s reported attack on pro-democracy guerrillas, including groups commonly known as the People’s Defence Forces. These resistance organisations emerged after the military takeover, with many taking up arms against the authorities.
Drone warfare has become an increasingly important part of Myanmar’s conflict. Both rebel groups and the military have used drones in their operations, changing the nature of attacks and increasing the risks faced by communities living near strategic locations.
The military’s air force, equipped with Chinese- and Russian-made aircraft, has remained a major factor in its ability to conduct operations against rebel factions. Analysts have described air power as vital to the military’s efforts to maintain control in contested areas.
At the same time, rights groups have accused Myanmar’s military of carrying out airstrikes against civilians at schools, monasteries and public gatherings. These attacks have reportedly caused mass casualties and raised concerns about potential war crimes.
Some conflict monitors estimate that more than 100,000 people have been killed in Myanmar’s civil war. The prolonged violence has displaced communities, damaged infrastructure and created a deep humanitarian crisis.
The reported attack on Mandalay airport is particularly significant because large urban areas have generally remained strongholds of military control. An incident involving drones at a major airport demonstrates how the conflict continues to create security concerns even in places that have traditionally been less affected by direct rebel attacks.
For passengers, the immediate concern is the disruption to flights and the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the airport. Travellers scheduled to depart from or arrive at Mandalay should check directly with their airlines for the latest updates and possible changes to their journeys.
