Domestic air travel across Myanmar has been severely disrupted by an ongoing aviation fuel shortage, with airlines cancelling the majority of flights through the end of April 2026, according to travel agents and passengers.

Major carriers, including Myanmar Airways International (MAI), Myanmar National Airlines (MNA), Mingalar Airline, Air Thanlwin, and Mann Yadanarpon, began suspending domestic operations on March 20. Travel agents say the disruptions are expected to continue throughout the upcoming Thingyan holiday period.

A travel agent based in Taunggyi described the situation: “We can’t sell any tickets right now because of the mass cancellations. Based on the directives, flights are cancelled through April. Routes such as Yangon–Heho and Mandalay–Tachileik are completely unavailable across all airlines. Only the Mandalay–Yangon route remains partially operational.”

On March 19, MAI and MNA had already introduced stricter baggage restrictions, limiting excess luggage to 10 kilograms per passenger, shortly before the wave of cancellations began.

The timing of the disruption has created significant difficulties for travelers planning to return home during the extended Thingyan holidays. Many passengers who pre-booked tickets are now facing financial losses and uncertainty.

“I originally bought a ticket for the Tachileik–Heho–Mandalay route to go home for Thingyan,” said a migrant worker currently in Thailand. “The agent called yesterday to say the flight was cancelled. They said they would refund the ticket price, but I won’t get the service fee back. With all the checkpoints and difficulties on the roads, I’m not even sure if I can make it back anymore.”

Industry sources attribute the shortage to the military regime’s tight control over fuel imports and distribution, which has constrained supply. Although airlines have attempted to source fuel from international markets, supplies remain insufficient to sustain regular domestic flight schedules.

As a result, airlines have issued widespread “flight cancelled” notices, leaving passengers with limited travel options during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.