THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is stepping up runway extensions and airport upgrades nationwide to accommodate larger aircraft and more passengers to help increase flights and lower airfares.
“As a matter of policy for our new airports, we have set a minimum runway length of 2,100 meters. This ensures the runway is ready to handle large aircraft [which] generally lead to lower airfares,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.
Among the projects nearing completion is the expansion of Busuanga Airport in Coron, Palawan, a major gateway to the tourist destination. The DOTr aims to complete its 2,100-meter runway by the first quarter of 2027.
The airport’s passenger terminal will also be refurbished, with seating capacity increasing from 300 to 1,500 passengers, according to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Deputy Director General Danjun Lucas.
Lopez has directed CAAP to construct a modular passenger terminal next year to provide a faster and more cost-effective way of expanding capacity.
Lucas said the modular terminal would be durable, environmentally friendly and easier to build than conventional facilities.
In Siargao, the DOTr and CAAP are studying an extension of the airport runway despite geographical constraints, with mangroves on one side and mountains on the other which limit available space.
Preliminary studies indicate that an additional 500-700 meters would be needed for the planned runway expansion.
While authorities work on a long-term solution, Lopez has ordered CAAP to install portable runway lights to allow aircraft to depart after sunset. The measure would extend the airport’s operating hours and allow additional flights.
“When more flights operate in an area, airfares naturally go down due to the increased volume,” Lopez said.
Laguindingan Airport, which serves Cagayan de Oro and nearby provinces, is also being improved as passenger traffic continues to grow.
The airport handles about 2 million passengers annually, exceeding its original design capacity of 1.6 million. Private concessionaire Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) plans to increase capacity from 3.9 to 6.3 million passengers.
The government is also fast-tracking Bukidnon Airport to provide the province with direct air connectivity. Travelers to Bukidnon currently have to pass through Laguindingan Airport and travel about three hours by land.
Bukidnon Airport is targeted for completion by December this year and will initially accommodate turboprop aircraft. Its extended runway is expected to be finished in the second quarter of 2027.
Lopez describes 2027 as a “banner year” for the DOTr, with several major transportation projects scheduled for completion.
