Extending visits from tourists should be a priority for the Myanmar Government following the completion of Surbung Airport, according to Colliers International. 

The Myanmar Times reports that Deputy Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation U Ye Htut Aung has announced that the planned airport for the Falam Township in Chin State will be open by September 2020, one year ahead of schedule.

Developed on 1289 acres of land in the Falam Township, the airport will be the first of its kind in the state to have a total runway length of 2000 metres.

Colliers International said the revised construction deadline was a step in the right direction.

"While the government has taken steps to improve infrastructure, more needs to be done to upgrade airports, roads and public transport to ease domestic travel and extend the length of stay for many tourists," it said.

Chin State incorporates nine townships, and according to the Times, remains one of the least developed states in Myanmar, due to the lack of transport and infrastructure. 

The nearest airport is at Kalay in the Sagaing region.

Former Chin State Development, Transportation and Tourism, Electricity and Industrial Minister Salai Isaac Khen told the Times the new airport would allow the state's tourism sector to develop faster.

"When the construction of the airport is done, Chin State will be accessible from Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon within hours," he said.

Sources: Myanmar Times, Colliers International

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