A drone attack on a major airport in central Myanmar has disrupted air travel in the country’s second-largest city, adding another layer of risk to civilian infrastructure as the country’s long-running conflict continues. Mandalay’s Tada-U International Airport has been closed after six drones targeted the facility, forcing airlines to cancel flights and shift some domestic operations elsewhere.
Myanmar Airways International confirmed that international flights to and from Mandalay airport have been temporarily suspended. The airline also said domestic services would be transferred to a nearby airport until further notice for “operational reasons”.
The disruption comes as Myanmar’s military continues to fight pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups more than five years after the February 2021 coup.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL) Open or Closed Today?
Mandalay International Airport (MDL) is closed to commercial flight operations today, September 11, following a drone attack on Thursday.
Myanmar Airways International has cancelled flights to Mandalay for September 11 and 12, while international services to and from the airport have been temporarily suspended. Domestic flights are being shifted to a nearby airport until further notice.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL): Why the Airport is Closed Today?
The airport serving Mandalay was shut after an attack on Thursday involving six first-person-view suicide drones, according to Myanmar’s military-backed authorities.
AFP reported that the airport would remain closed on Friday and Saturday following the attack. Mandalay airport serves both civilian passengers and military aircraft, making it an important transport facility in central Myanmar.
Myanmar’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said security forces intercepted the attack carried out by the People’s Defence Force, a pro-democracy armed group.
The report said, “The attack temporarily disrupted some domestic flights. However, no casualties or damage to vehicles or airport runways were reported.”
Local media reports said the attackers were targeting military jet fighters operating from the airport. However, Reuters could not independently verify the reports.
Myanmar Airways International Cancels Mandalay Flights
Myanmar Airways International announced the temporary suspension of international services to and from Tada-U International Airport.
An airline official at the carrier’s Bangkok office said, “Flights to Mandalay on 11 and 12 September are cancelled.”
The official added, “The flights are cancelled because the airport is closed.”
Domestic flights have also been affected, with services being moved to another airport while the closure remains in place.
Current flight-status data also shows cancellations affecting Myanmar Airways International’s Mandalay services, underlining the immediate impact of the airport shutdown.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL): Six Drones Used in Attack
The military-backed government said the People’s Defence Force launched six suicide drones at the airport.
The drones were described as first-person-view, or FPV, systems. Such drones can be remotely controlled and directed toward a specific target.
The attack represents a notable escalation because Mandalay airport is a major civilian aviation hub as well as a facility used by military aircraft. AFP reported that civilian air-raid monitors identified the runway as being used by military jets for sorties.
Despite the attack, authorities said there were no reported deaths or injuries and no damage to the airport’s runway or vehicles.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL): Flights Disrupted After Airport Closure
The airport closure has directly affected passengers travelling to and from Mandalay.
Myanmar Airways International said all international flights were temporarily suspended. Domestic services were also moved to a nearby airport until authorities determine when normal operations can resume.
The disruption is particularly significant because Mandalay airport connects the city with domestic destinations as well as international locations.
Passengers scheduled to travel to Mandalay on September 11 and 12 have been affected by the cancellations.
Why is Myanmar Facing a Civil War?
The airport attack comes against the backdrop of Myanmar’s prolonged internal conflict.
The crisis began after the military removed the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The coup triggered widespread protests and resistance, which later developed into a broader armed conflict involving the military, ethnic armed organisations and pro-democracy groups.
The People’s Defence Force emerged as one of the main pro-democracy armed groups following the coup.
The conflict has spread across large parts of the country and has repeatedly affected roads, airports, towns and other civilian infrastructure.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL): Min Aung Hlaing Consolidates Power
Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing was elected president by a military-backed parliament in April.
His election formalised his position at the top of Myanmar’s political system after years of military rule following the 2021 coup.
The continued conflict, however, has kept large parts of the country unstable, with resistance groups continuing attacks against military positions and government-linked infrastructure.
No Casualties Reported in Mandalay Airport Attack
Despite the disruption caused by the drone raid, authorities said the attack did not result in casualties.
No damage to airport vehicles or runways was reported, according to the state-run newspaper. The main immediate impact was the disruption of flight operations and the subsequent closure of the airport.
The situation remains fluid, and Reuters could not independently verify the military-backed government’s account of the attack or reports about the intended targets.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL): When Will the Airport Reopen?
There is currently no confirmed reopening time for Mandalay International Airport (MDL). Flights scheduled to Mandalay for September 11 and 12 have been cancelled, and domestic services are being transferred to a nearby airport. Passengers should check directly with their airline and the airport before travelling, as the reopening will depend on the security situation and operational clearance. The airport’s official website lists flight information and airport updates, but does not currently provide a confirmed reopening time.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL): Helpline Numbers
Passengers can contact Mandalay International Airport’s 24-hour Operation Control Centre at +95 2 40 27110, Extension 199 for airport and flight enquiries. The airport’s Information Service Counter can be reached at +95 2 40 27110, Extension 232, while Passenger Service is available on Extension 300 during office hours. The airport also lists occ@mjas.com.mm for airport and flight enquiries.
For airline-specific information, Myanmar Airways International’s Mandalay office lists +95 2 4207053 as its contact number.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL): What Happens to Mandalay Flights Now?
Mandalay’s Tada-U International Airport is currently closed, with flights cancelled for September 11 and 12.
Airlines are expected to provide passengers with further information depending on when airport operations resume. Domestic services may continue through alternative arrangements, while international flights remain affected by the closure.
The airport’s operator lists a 24-hour operations control centre for airport and flight inquiries.
The latest developments will depend on security assessments and whether authorities allow civilian aviation to resume at Tada-U International Airport.
