Myanmar is planning to upgrade and expand Kawthaung Airport, in the far south of the country.

The 7 Day Daily reported Myanmar’s Minister of Hotels & Tourism, U Ohn Maung, as saying that he has discussed the expansion project with local officials.

The overall aim is for Kawthaung to become Myanmar’s next international airport, opening up the country’s Andaman coast to overseas visitors.

Kawthaung Airport is the main gateway to the Mergui Archipelago, which the Myanmar government has earmarked for tourism development.

“If we want to develop this region, we need to expand Kawthaung Airport so that it can receive direct international flights,” the minister was quoted saying.

Currently, only three airports in Myanmar can handle international flights: Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw.