Mandalay International Airport (MDL)

Mandalay, MM 🇲🇲 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

VYMD

IATA

MDL

Elevation

300 ft

Region

MM-04

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: VYMD

Local Code: Not available

Location: 21.7022° N, 95.977898° E

Continent: AS

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Mandalay International Airport (VYMD/MDL) generally receives mixed but leaning positive reviews from travelers, often highlighted as a small, modern, and easy-to-navigate airport that is rarely crowded. While some older reviews mention signs of aging or lack of consistent maintenance in certain areas, recent data suggests efficient processes, particularly for security and immigration.

What Travelers Love
  • Easy Navigation and Compact Size: The airport is not very big, making it easy and fast to move around.
  • Friendly Staff: Ground staff are frequently described as friendly and polite.
  • Cleanliness (Generally): Many travelers find the airport to be bright and clean, with modern facilities.
  • Efficient Security and Customs: Recent experiences report quick check-through and generally relaxed security procedures. Current estimates for security wait times are around 11 minutes and immigration processing around 9 minutes as of November 2025.
  • Good Transportation Options: Both private taxis and shared taxis are readily available, with fixed rates for private taxis. A bus service to Mandalay city center is also available.
  • Currency Exchange Rates: Some travelers noted that currency exchange shops at the airport offer better rates than found online.
  • Basic Amenities: The airport offers a decent selection of shops, including duty-free, souvenir shops, and cafes/restaurants. There is also a smoking area inside.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Food and Beverage Options Post-Security: While there are some eating places, the selection can be limited, especially in the gate areas where there might be no shops or toilet facilities just rows of seats.
  • Inconsistent Air-Conditioning: Some older reviews noted issues with the air-conditioning not working consistently in parts of the terminal. However, more recent reviews indicate better comfort in departure gate areas where air-conditioning is more consistent.
  • Distance from City Center: The airport is located quite far from Mandalay city center, making transportation a consideration.
  • Outdated Information Displays: One review mentioned that the flight schedule on the monitor was not real-time and disordered.
  • Lack of 24-hour Facilities: The airport is not a 24-hour facility, and travelers planning overnight stays might find a lack of services.
  • Condition of Toilets/Smoking Rooms (older reviews): While overall cleanliness is often praised, some past reviews specifically highlighted that toilets and smoking rooms could be in poor repair.

Overall, Mandalay International Airport appears to be a functional and relatively pleasant regional airport for most travelers, particularly appreciated for its efficiency and staff friendliness. While it might lack extensive amenities compared to larger international hubs, it serves its purpose well, though travelers should be mindful of the distance to the city and plan transportation accordingly.

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
0 destinations displayed
Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Mandalay International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
10 518 10 Dec 11, 2025
5 264 5 Dec 11, 2025
10 149 10 Dec 11, 2025
6 81 6 Dec 9, 2025
Ruili
RLH / DR
1 61 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 50 1 Dec 11, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
17/35 14003 ft 200 ft CON Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 119.2 MHz
GND GND 121.725 MHz
TWR TWR 118.6 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
MIA Mandalay VOR-DME 116300 kHz
MIA Mandalay NDB 259 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official, fixed-price taxis are available at a counter inside the arrivals hall. The journey to downtown Mandalay is about 45 km and takes approximately 60-90 minutes. Ride-hailing services like Grab are also a popular and convenient option, allowing you to book a car directly from your smartphone upon arrival.

Rental Cars

Several local car rental companies operate at the airport. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season. While self-drive is possible (an International Driving Permit is usually required), it is more common and often more convenient to hire a car with a local driver for the duration of your stay.

Public Transportation

The most economical options are shared taxis and airport shuttle buses. Both can be booked at counters in the arrivals area. Shared taxis are minivans that wait to fill up with passengers going to the city center. Shuttle buses run on a schedule that often corresponds with flight arrivals and drop passengers at a central point in downtown Mandalay.

Nearby Airports

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~123 km away
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Chanmyathazi Airport
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Anisakan Airport
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Pakhokku Airport
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~96 km away
Monywar Airport
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Salingyi Airport
VYSL
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~109 km away
Bagan Airport
NYU • VYBG
Nyaung U, MM
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~123 km away
Heho Airport
HEH • VYHH
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Small Airport Scheduled Service
~135 km away
Lanywa Airport
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~147 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.