Yangon International Airport Steps Up Public Health Precautions

In recent days, the Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports reported that three Myanmar male citizens, two aged 26 returning from the United Kingdom and a U.S. green card holder aged 36 returning from the United States, tested positive for the COVID-19.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in January 2020 and culminating in the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) on 11^th March 2020, YIA had implemented cleaning procedures using disinfectants and deep cleaning procedures within the airport, sanitisation, temperature screening procedures and health awareness programs for several weeks, it continues to step up activities in light of the recent cases.

The Department of Civil Aviation has approved YACL’s proposal to implement additional precautionary measures against COVID-19 effective today, including:

1. Implementation of Temperature Screening Control at Sett Hmu Gate (gate to Hangars) to screen air operators and ground handler staff;
2. Implementation of Temperature Screening Control at Terminal 3 (Domestic Terminal) and screening passengers and airport staff passing through the area;
3. Closing of G-2, G-7 and Sky Link at Terminal 1. Alternative entrances will be via G-3 and G-4, with exits at G-2, G-6 and G-8;
4. G-2 of Terminal 3 will be closed. Alternative entrances will be via G-1 and G-4, with exits at G-1, G-3 and G-4;
5. Performance of temperature checks on everyone entering airport premises without exceptions;
6. Prohibiting airport staff, airline partners and related entities from having any food or drink while on duty at the screening/work areas; and
7. Prohibiting airport staff, airline partners and passengers from chewing and spitting Betel inside airport facilities or in the curbside.

The measures are intended to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In addition to the more stringent measures, YIA corporative business continuity plans have also kicked in: starting from 25 March 2020 7:00 am, YIA staff will be working staggered schedules and in separate groups, which will minimise the spread of COVID-19 should there be an infection.

Further to these precautions, YACL urge citizens and airport users to stay vigilant and refrain from gathering at the Airport.

Mr. Ho Chee Tong, CEO of YACL, said: “YACL places the highest priority to the public health safety and well-being of passengers, staff and members of the public. As the main aviation gateway to Myanmar and as a critical public services facility, it is vital that we maintain operational availability at all times. Procedures are in place to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The support and effective cooperation of everyone is essential in this instance.”

“We also encourage all staff and partner companies at the airport to be extra vigilant: maintain personal hygiene at all times, report immediately to medical officers should you feel unwell, and maintain social distancing protocols. The measures will not only protect the individual, but also the broader community. We will ride through this difficult period together.”

YIA Media Relations Team

media.relations@yangon.aero