A strong 7.7-magnitude quake hit central Myanmar on Friday, leading to considerable disturbances in local transport. This disruption impacted air travel as well as railway services not only within Myanmar but also extending into Thailand.
The number of fatalities resulting from the large earthquake in Myanmar has exceeded 1,000, as reported by the governing military regime on Saturday. Additionally, over 2,000 people have been recorded as injured.
AFP.
Here are five points travelers should keep in mind:
Thailand airports are operational
Thailand’s major airports are operating normally, with most arriving and departing flights facing only slight disruptions, as reported.
The Independent.
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In Bangkok, women were seen using their phones as thousands of individuals emerged from structures following the quakes. The image was captured by Reuters. |
On Friday, Airports of Thailand, which manages the nation’s airports, stated that they have finished inspecting six of these facilities.
This ensured that the constructional robustness of their structures and air transport facilities complies with safety regulations.
By 2:30 p.m., all airports had resumed normal operations.
The inspection covered Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport, as well as Hat Yai Airport.
According to FlightRadar’s flight monitoring information, most arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which serves as Bangkok’s main gateway, occur on time. Delays are infrequent, and cancellations or diversions happen quite rarely too.
Concerning departures, the majority of flights have already taken off; however, a few have experienced delays lasting more than a couple of hours.
Suvarnabhumai Airport informed travelers about the recent earthquake and recommended checking for traffic updates prior to departure. They also suggested allowing extra travel time to avoid missing their flights.
The airport recommends getting there at least three hours ahead of international flights and two hours in advance for domestic ones.
Railway connections in Bangkok have been halted.
All metropolitan railway services were halted, and traffic jammed the streets in Thailand’s main city of Bangkok, as reported.
Reuters
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Worapa Angkhisirisap, who leads the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in London, stated: “The MRT Blue Line and Purple Line services are currently halted.”
The BTS Skytrain has also been halted temporarily as per the emergency procedures.
Moreover, the railway service heading towards Rangsit located in the north of Bangkok might face some delays because of continuous inspections being carried out on the raised sections of track.
Mandalay Airport in Myanmar has been closed down.
Mandalay International Airport, located near the earthquake’s epicenter, has been closed after suffering structural damage.
It is reported that the airport’s air traffic control tower has fallen down, resulting in at least five fatalities.
Videos from social media showed travelers at Mandalay Airport crouching and looking for cover on the runway as an earthquake struck.
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Following a powerful earthquake, people congregate on the street in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025. The image was captured by Reuters. |
Aftershock warnings
Following the earthquake, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Thailand.
“There may be aftershocks. If you are in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media,” its advice states.
Regarding Myanmar, the FCDO mentioned that the earthquake’s epicenter is located in the Sagaing region close to Mandalay City; however, effects could reach other areas as well.
The Mandalay airport is said to be closed, with several significant aftershocks possible. Should you be in the region or considering travel there, adhere to guidance from local authorities and stay updated through local news sources.
Refunds not guaranteed
As the Foreign Office hasn’t issued guidance against unnecessary travel because of the demonstrations, there aren’t specific arrangements allowing you to get a complete refund if you decide to cancel your trip.
The cancellation terms will depend on the policy of each respective holiday supplier.
Simon Calder,
The Independent’s
The travel correspondent clarified: “When the Foreign Office issues a warning against traveling to certain areas, it mandates tour operators such as Tui, Jet2, and easyJet Holidays to promptly repatriate vacationers. This is why an outright ‘do-not-travel’ recommendation is extremely uncommon.”
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings even if customers cancel, and customers will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes.