Pilots will soon swoop down on a strip of tarmac perched on a mountain among the rugged peaks and deep valleys of Chin state in what promises to be one of the most dramatic runways in Myanmar.
The 100-foot (30-metre) wide stretch runs for 6,000-foot (1,828-metres)—the same figure as the altitude of Surbung mountain range on which aircraft will land.
About 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) from scenic Falam town, the former World War Two air base is expected to open in late May. But a Chin government official told state media the exact date would be weather dependent, with clouds and fog masking mountains during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, Chin state chief minister Salai Lian Luai told The Irrawaddy that slash-and-burn farming might also present hazards during the hot season. Plans are in action to buy equipment that will help pilots navigate through the smoke plumes, he said.
But the 37-billion kyat (US$25 million) airport is thought a necessity in the remote, predominantly Christian region, which is otherwise only accessible by roads that sometimes turn treacherous and impassable during bad weather.
Tourists will have a quicker route to experience Chin culture and the towering lush landscape, which provides a reason as well as a barrier for trips there.
Surbung airport will also play an important role in emergency and rescue situations, along with generally improving regional links.
The runway was built to handle ATR 72 planes—the type of aircraft powered by two turboprop engines that hold between 72 to 78 passengers; the carrier of choice for the country’s short-haul airliners.
On its completion, Myanmar will have domestic airports in all seven states, while this one, sandwiched between Sagaing region and the Indian state of Mizoram, may well boast the best views and most hair-raising landings.
