About Golden Myanmar Airlines
Golden Myanmar Airlines (IATA: Y5, ICAO: GMR) was a Myanmar-based low-cost domestic airline headquartered in Yangon, Myanmar. The airline was established in August 2012 by a consortium of 15 investors, including prominent businesspeople such as the chairmen of CB Bank and Myanmar Golden Star. It launched its first scheduled flight on 17 January 2013, operating between Yangon International Airport (RGN) and Mandalay International Airport (MDL).
Throughout its operational life, Golden Myanmar Airlines provided essential domestic connectivity across Myanmar, serving both major cities and smaller regional towns with limited transport infrastructure. The airline served as a publicly listed company, trading on the Yangon Stock Exchange, making it one of Myanmar's early aviation sector listings.
Regrettably, Golden Myanmar Airlines permanently suspended all flight operations on 27 March 2022. The airline's closure followed a prolonged period of difficulty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on aviation demand and the broader economic and political challenges affecting Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021. Travellers seeking flights to or from Myanmar are advised to search for available alternatives on Traveloka.
Airline Overview and History
Golden Myanmar Airlines built a notable domestic network over its nine years of operation. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- August 2012: Golden Myanmar Airlines established by a consortium of 15 investors, including the chairmen of CB Bank and Myanmar Golden Star.
- 17 January 2013: Inaugural commercial flight operated between Yangon (RGN) and Mandalay (MDL), marking the start of scheduled passenger service.
- 2013–2015: Initial operations with Airbus A320 jet aircraft, with route network gradually expanding to include multiple domestic destinations across Myanmar.
- 2016–2018: Fleet transition to ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, better suited to the shorter domestic routes and smaller regional airports in Myanmar. A third ATR 72 joined the fleet in 2018.
- 2019–2021: Continued domestic operations across Myanmar until disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced passenger traffic from early 2020. The military coup in February 2021 further destabilised the broader operating environment.
- 27 March 2022: Golden Myanmar Airlines permanently suspended all flight operations.
Golden Myanmar Airlines maintained dual hubs at Mandalay International Airport (MDL) and Yangon International Airport (RGN), connecting Myanmar's two largest cities and providing onward services to regional domestic destinations. The airline was positioned as an affordable option for domestic travel within Myanmar, competing with other local carriers including Myanmar National Airlines and Air KBZ.
Fleet and Aircraft
Golden Myanmar Airlines operated two distinct aircraft types throughout its history, transitioning from jet to turboprop operations to better match the capacity and runway requirements of its domestic network.
- Airbus A320: The airline initially launched operations with Airbus A320 single-aisle jet aircraft. The A320 carries approximately 150–180 passengers in a single-class economy configuration and is well-suited to higher-frequency routes such as the Yangon–Mandalay corridor. The A320 continued to be part of the fleet for international aspirations.
- ATR 72-600: Golden Myanmar Airlines later transitioned to an all-ATR fleet for its core domestic operations. The ATR 72-600 is a modern twin-turboprop regional aircraft with a capacity of 68 to 70 passengers. Its shorter runway requirements and fuel efficiency made it ideal for the diverse range of domestic airports across Myanmar, many of which have limited infrastructure. The airline operated up to three ATR 72-600 aircraft.
All aircraft were maintained to the standards required by Myanmar's Civil Aviation Department. The ATR 72-600 in particular represents one of the most advanced turboprop regional aircraft available, featuring modern avionics and improved fuel efficiency compared to earlier ATR variants.
Top Flight Routes
Golden Myanmar Airlines operated an extensive domestic network within Myanmar, serving major cities and smaller regional destinations. Key routes included:
- Yangon (RGN) – Mandalay (MDL): The airline's inaugural and most frequented route, connecting Myanmar's two largest cities. This corridor is one of the busiest air routes in the country.
- Yangon (RGN) – Heho (HEH): Serving the gateway airport to Inle Lake and the Shan State, a popular tourist destination.
- Yangon (RGN) – Thandwe (SNW): Connecting Yangon with the Ngapali Beach area in Rakhine State, a key resort destination.
- Yangon (RGN) – Sittwe (AKY): Serving the capital of Rakhine State in western Myanmar.
- Mandalay (MDL) – Myitkyina (MYT): Linking Mandalay with Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State in northern Myanmar.
- Yangon (RGN) – Nyaung U (NYU): Serving Bagan, Myanmar's most famous archaeological and tourist site.
- Yangon (RGN) – Tachileik (THL): Connecting Yangon with the eastern border town of Tachileik in Shan State.
- Yangon (RGN) – Dawei (TVY): Serving the Tanintharyi Region in southern Myanmar.
For Malaysian travellers interested in visiting Myanmar, Traveloka offers flights from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon. Browse the Kuala Lumpur to Yangon route page, or the Yangon to Kuala Lumpur route page, to search for currently available airlines serving this corridor. As Golden Myanmar Airlines has ceased operations, please check Traveloka for alternative carriers.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
The following reflects Golden Myanmar Airlines' baggage policy as it applied during the airline's operational period. This information is provided for reference only, as the airline has ceased operations.
Hand Baggage (Carry-on):
- All passengers: One piece of hand baggage with a maximum weight of 10 kg and maximum dimensions of 56 x 36 x 23 cm.
Checked Baggage:
- A free checked baggage allowance of 15 kg per passenger was provided on most domestic routes.
- Passengers requiring additional baggage could purchase extra allowance in increments of 5 kg (starting from a minimum of 15 kg) at a discounted rate when purchased at least 48 hours before departure.
- Excess baggage purchased at the airport check-in counter was subject to higher rates than pre-purchased allowances.
Prohibited Items:
- Flammable materials and compressed gases
- Explosives and munitions (without prior authorisation)
- Sharp objects in the cabin
- Lithium batteries exceeding Myanmar Civil Aviation Department limits in checked baggage
- Any items restricted under Myanmar aviation regulations
Check-in Guide
The following check-in procedures applied to Golden Myanmar Airlines flights during its operational period. This information is preserved for reference.
Airport Counter Check-in:
- Check-in counters opened 2.5 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- The final check-in deadline (time acceptance close) was 30 minutes before departure.
- Passengers were advised to arrive at the airport well in advance, particularly at smaller regional airports where facilities may be limited.
Online Check-in:
- Availability of online check-in varied. Passengers were advised to check the airline's website or contact the airline directly for the latest online check-in procedures.
Since Golden Myanmar Airlines no longer operates, travellers should follow the check-in procedures of their chosen alternative carrier when booking through Traveloka.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Golden Myanmar Airlines operated in a single economy class configuration across both its Airbus A320 and ATR 72-600 fleet.
Economy Class (A320 services):
- Single-class cabin with standard economy seating
- In-flight meals were not included as standard on most domestic routes; light snacks or beverages may have been available on longer domestic sectors
- No personal in-flight entertainment screens on domestic routes
Economy Class (ATR 72-600 services):
- Single-class regional cabin with 68–70 seats
- Shorter flight durations on domestic routes meant limited in-flight service
- The ATR 72-600's propeller-driven flight offers a distinct regional airline experience, with good visibility through aircraft windows
Golden Myanmar Airlines positioned itself as an affordable domestic carrier, maintaining basic but functional on-board service appropriate for the short flight durations across Myanmar's domestic network.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
The following passenger policies applied to Golden Myanmar Airlines flights during its operational period.
Children and Infants:
- Infants under 2 years of age could travel on an adult's lap at a reduced infant fare. Valid documentation including a birth certificate may have been required.
- Children aged 2 years and above were required to occupy their own seat and hold a valid ticket.
- All passengers required valid government-issued photo identification, such as a national registration card or passport, for domestic flights.
Pregnant Passengers:
- Pregnant passengers were accepted for carriage subject to prior arrangement with the airline.
- A medical certificate attesting fitness to fly, issued by an authorised doctor, was required before travel could be confirmed.
- Passengers with complicated pregnancies or who were approaching their due date were strongly advised to consult a physician before booking or travelling.
Unaccompanied Minors:
- Unaccompanied minor travel was not available on Golden Myanmar Airlines. Children travelling without a parent or guardian were required to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Special Assistance:
- Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance or other mobility support were requested to notify the airline before travel. Availability of assistance varied by airport and was subject to the facilities available at each station.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
The following reflects Golden Myanmar Airlines' policies as they applied during its operational period. As the airline permanently ceased operations on 27 March 2022, passengers with outstanding bookings at that time were advised to seek refunds through their original payment method, via credit card chargebacks, or through applicable travel insurance claims.
For current Traveloka bookings on other airlines serving Myanmar:
- Log in to your Traveloka account and navigate to My Bookings.
- Select the relevant flight booking you wish to change or cancel.
- Choose Reschedule or Cancel and follow the on-screen instructions provided.
- Review any applicable fees charged by the operating airline before confirming your request.
- Approved refunds are typically processed within 7–14 business days, depending on the airline and original payment method. In some cases, refunds may be issued as Traveloka travel credit.
Traveloka recommends adding travel insurance to all flight bookings to ensure financial protection against unexpected trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other disruptions.
Why Book Golden Myanmar Airlines Flights on Traveloka
While Golden Myanmar Airlines has ceased operations, Traveloka is the ideal platform for Malaysian travellers seeking flights to Myanmar or connecting through Yangon. Here is why travellers choose Traveloka for their Myanmar travel planning:
- Best available alternatives: Traveloka aggregates flights from all currently operating airlines on the Kuala Lumpur–Yangon route and other Myanmar-connected corridors, so you can find the best available options in one search.
- Best Price Guarantee: Traveloka's Best Price Guarantee ensures you always access the most competitive fares available for your chosen route and travel dates.
- Flexible payment options: Pay using credit or debit cards, online banking, or popular Malaysian e-wallets including Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay — all within a single secure checkout.
- Travel insurance protection: Add travel insurance at the time of booking for comprehensive coverage, including flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage loss.
- Flight status tracking: Monitor real-time flight status for any operating airline via the Traveloka Flight Status page.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's customer support team is available around the clock to assist with booking queries, changes, and cancellations.
- TravPoints loyalty rewards: Earn TravPoints on every booking and redeem them for savings on future travel with Traveloka.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Looking for affordable flights to Myanmar or on routes previously served by Golden Myanmar Airlines? Follow these tips to find the best deals on Traveloka:
- Book early: Secure the lowest available fares by booking your flights well in advance, ideally at least 4–6 weeks before departure for regional routes.
- Travel midweek: Flights departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than those on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Use Traveloka's calendar view to compare fares day by day.
- Avoid peak travel periods: Myanmar's peak tourist season runs from November to February. Consider travelling in the shoulder months of March and October for lower fares and fewer crowds.
- Set a Price Alert: Use Traveloka's Price Alert feature to receive notifications when airfares on your desired route decrease, so you can book at the best possible price.
- Compare all available carriers: With Golden Myanmar Airlines no longer operating, compare fares from all available airlines on the Traveloka search results page to find the best combination of price, schedule, and baggage allowance.
- Check for Traveloka promotions: Traveloka regularly runs exclusive sales and promotional campaigns. Visit the Traveloka app or website and look for deals in the Promotions section.
- Bundle flights with accommodation: Booking your flights and hotel together on Traveloka can yield additional savings compared to booking separately.
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking flights on Traveloka is fast, secure, and straightforward. Follow these steps to complete your booking to Myanmar or any other destination:
- Visit www.traveloka.com/en-my or open the Traveloka mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Select Flight from the navigation menu. Choose your search type: One-Way, Round Trip, or Multi-City.
- Enter your departure city, destination (such as Yangon — RGN), travel dates, and the number of passengers. Click Search.
- Browse the list of available flights and use the filters to sort by price, departure time, airline, number of stops, or fare type.
- Select your preferred flight and click Select to proceed to the booking details page.
- Enter accurate passenger details for each traveller, including full name as per passport or NRIC, date of birth, nationality, and contact information.
- Add any optional extras you require, such as checked baggage, seat selection, or travel insurance.
- Review your complete booking summary and proceed to payment. Choose from credit or debit card, online banking, or Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay.
- After payment is confirmed, your e-ticket will be sent to your registered email address. You can view and manage your booking at any time via My Bookings on Traveloka.