Hsu/ Pearl (NSS) - Dec 16

Dawei Airport is currently undergoing upgrades to accommodate large cargo aircraft, according to a source familiar with the project who spoke to The Statesman Journal.

The existing Dawei airfield, which covers approximately 364.7 acres, features a runway measuring 12,000 feet long by 100 feet wide, and reportedly includes three parking bays: two over 200 feet wide, and one measuring 600 by 300 feet.

With a runway load capacity of 873,000 pounds, the airport can currently handle all domestic and international aircraft, including the Airbus A320, and park five domestic aircraft simultaneously. Upgrades are now being carried out to enable the landing of larger cargo aircraft. 

“The runway will be extended by 25 feet on each side, bringing the total width to 150 feet. The layering will be about three feet thick, split into two layers of one-and-a-half feet each. It will be laid together with asphalt concrete (AC). The budget is set for two years.It’s not only the runway—there will also be new buildings. I think the runway alone can be completed within this year. The building plans are not finalized yet, and the design estimate has not been issued. Work has already started. We’re working with full effort. Concrete mixing machines have been set up, the ground is being excavated, and earthworks for concrete placement are underway,” the source familiar with the airport upgrade told The Statesman.

A challenge in the airport upgrade project is to obtain the necessary crushed stone materials.

“Meeting the project deadline depends on whether we can get the raw materials. Without them, it cannot be completed. The challenge is stone supply. We need crushed stone for concrete, but the required amount is not available at present. Quarrying and transportation are difficult. The security situation in the area is unreliable. Also, the stone-crushing factory at the 21 mile is not operating because of the regional situation. If the stone issue is resolved, the project can be completed on time. Other materials are not as difficult to obtain,” the source added.

Once the Dawei airfield upgrade is complete, it is expected to boost the efficiency of import and export operations, increase tourist arrivals, and benefit the planned development of the Dawei Special Economic Zone.

“There are pagodas in Dawei that Thai people are very interested in. Myanmar has beautiful beaches and islands. There are places that are even more beautiful than Ngapali. Many tourists could come. This would benefit the region greatly. It would also support the deep-sea port project. An international airport is absolutely necessary. To be considered a full international airport, the site needs to have full facilities. It will become a very important airport—for tourism as well as import and export,” the source continued.