Nyaung U, MM 🇲🇲 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
VYBG
IATA
NYU
Elevation
312 ft
Region
MM-04
Local Time
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Loading...GPS Code: VYBG
Local Code: Not available
Location: 21.178801° N, 94.930199° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Small Airport
Nyaung U Airport (IATA: NYU, ICAO: VYBG) serves as the primary air gateway to the Bagan Archaeological Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Myanmar. Its fundamental role is to facilitate tourist access to the thousands of ancient temples and pagodas that define the region. The airport was significantly upgraded in the mid-1990s to accommodate the country's growing tourism sector, with a runway capable of handling jet aircraft common on domestic routes. In 2012, it was officially designated as an international airport, though in practice, it predominantly handles domestic traffic with only occasional international charter flights.
Located just east of the town of Nyaung U, the airport is strategically positioned for visitors. It is approximately a 10-15 minute drive to most hotels in Nyaung U, 20 minutes to Old Bagan, and about 25-30 minutes to New Bagan. Travelers typically reach their accommodation via pre-booked hotel transfers or by using the fixed-rate taxi services available directly outside the terminal building. The airport operates exclusively during daylight hours, a common practice for many regional airports in Myanmar.
Operations at Nyaung U Airport are centered on domestic routes connecting Bagan with key cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Heho (for Inle Lake). Major domestic carriers like Myanmar National Airlines, Air KBZ, and Mann Yadanarpon Airlines are the principal operators, utilizing ATR 72 turboprop aircraft for most flights. Passenger volume is highly seasonal, peaking during the dry tourist season from October to March.
The airport consists of a single, modest terminal building designed for functional efficiency. Facilities are basic but sufficient for traveler needs. Inside, there is a check-in area, a simple departure lounge, a few small souvenir and craft shops, and a cafe selling light snacks and beverages. Upon arrival, visitors will find a currency exchange counter and the mandatory booth for purchasing the Bagan Archaeological Zone ticket, which is required for entry into the heritage area. For domestic departures, arriving 90 minutes before your flight is generally sufficient. Given its small size, navigating the airport is straightforward, and processes from check-in to boarding are typically quick.
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Travelers generally report a good overall experience at Bagan Airport (NYU), rating it 7.2/10 on average. It serves as the primary domestic gateway to the ancient sites of Bagan, offering essential services for visitors to this renowned region.
Bagan Airport serves effectively as a functional entry point for tourists heading to Bagan, offering generally quick processing times and good local transport links despite its relatively compact size and limited amenities.
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Bagan Airport (NYU) offers 5 flight routes operated by 3 airlines. Major carriers include Myanmar Airways International, Air Thanlwin and Myanmar National Airlines. Popular destinations from Nyaung U include Heho, Yangon Int'l and Kalaymyo.
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Myanmar Airways International
MMA
/ 8M
|
2 | 11 | 2 | Jan 19, 2026 |
|
Air Thanlwin
RTL
/ ST
|
2 | 6 | 2 | Nov 26, 2025 |
|
Myanmar National Airlines
UBA
/ UB
|
1 | 1 | 1 | Sep 21, 2025 |
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
18/36 |
8500 ft | 100 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 119.7 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.1 MHz |
Taxis are the most common and recommended option. Inside the arrival hall, there is a taxi counter with fixed, official prices. You pay at the counter based on your destination zone (e.g., Nyaung U, Old Bagan, New Bagan) and receive a ticket to give to your driver. This system is straightforward and prevents overcharging. The ride to most hotels takes 15-30 minutes.
Self-drive car rentals are not generally available for tourists at Bagan Airport. The standard practice is to hire a private car with a driver for a half-day or full-day. This can be arranged with the taxi drivers at the airport upon arrival or booked in advance through your hotel or a local tour operator. For getting around Bagan independently, renting an e-bike (electric scooter) from your hotel or a town shop is the most popular choice after you have checked in.
There is no public bus or train service that directly connects Bagan Airport to the main tourist areas. The primary mode of transport is the pre-paid taxi. Some hotels may offer shuttle services for their guests, but these must be arranged in advance and are not part of a public system. While horse carts are a classic Bagan experience, they are typically hired for tours rather than as a practical airport transfer.