Sudden airfare increase riles Myanmar players

MYANMAR’S Ministry of Energy’s announcement that it would stop subsidising aviation fuel from March 1, instead selling it at market rate, will result in an increase in domestic airfares by about 20 per cent from March 8.

Travel consultants caution against such sudden changes, saying they could harm the country’s tourism industry, as they would have to renegotiate prices with customers and overseas partners.

Eainsie Phyu from New Age Travellers said: “Myanmar tourism won’t thrive in this region if these kinds of things happen regularly. We should remember that we are not alone. Travellers have many destinations to choose from.”

Customers who have already been issued tickets for travel from March 8 will be required to pay the fuel surcharge on check-in for most airlines.

But Myat Thu, an assistant general manager from Air KBZ, said his company would impose the surcharge only on those who bought their tickets from March 3 [for travel from March 8] and not before.

The surcharge will depend on the destination, with the largest increase being on routes from Yangon to Myitkyina, Putao, Bhamo, Lashio, Kalay and Kawthoung. Increases range from US$10 to $25 for foreign visitors.

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