Construction of a new airstrip

In 2019, MAF began construction of a new airstrip at the top of a mountain in Chin State. Once complete, the airstrip will provide easier access to serve the remote community of Lailenpi and the surrounding region.

Work underway at Lailenpi airstrip
Work underway at Lailenpi airstrip, 2019

Chin State, Myanmar

Due to its geography and topography Chin State is highly inaccessible. The impact of this means:

  • Chin State has the highest rate of poverty within Myanmar - 73% against the National Poverty Headcount index (individuals with insufficient consumption expenditure to meet basic food and non-food needs). The estimated nationwide average is 48% by 2022.
  • Lailenpi is a two day drive from the nearest airport in the dry season.
  • During the monsoon season the majority of the area becomes completely isolated due to road closures or landslides.
  • Road transport is hazardous; occasionally vehicles accidentally drive off the narrow, windy roads and down steep embankments which usually leads to some fatalities.
The overland route to Lailenpi
The overland route to Lailenpi
On the road to Lailenpi
On the road to Lailenpi
Contractor's trucks driving to Lailenpi
Contractor's trucks driving to Lailenpi

Lailenpi airstrip

A few facts about the airstrip in Lailenpi, in Chin State:

  • 740m runway to serve utility aircraft (small, light aircraft up to approximately 10-seats).
  • The airstrip will serve approx. 40,000 people.
  • The airstrip with resultant flight service will provide easier all-year-round access to the area, rather than expose travellers to the lengthy and sometimes hazardous overland journey. This in turn will lead to accelerated socio-economic development of the region, as well as allow these communities to better connect with the rest of Myanmar.
Construction underway at Lailenpi airstrip
Construction underway at Lailenpi airstrip
Lailenpi community planting cash crops on excavated soil around the airstrip
The community plant cash crops on excavated soil around the airstrip, 2020
Aerial view of progress at Lailenpi
Aerial view of progress at Lailenpi