BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has reiterated his request for airline companies for additional flight services to and from Iloilo Airport.
The mayor emphasized the importance of additional connectivity for the region’s economic growth and tourism development.
Treñas also appealed to the airline companies to consider lowering their airfare rates to entice more tourists and investors.
Likewise, he renewed his request to the airline companies to reconsider reintroducing direct flights to and from Singapore and Hong Kong to accommodate numerous Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers and other travelers.
He emphasized the resumption of these flights is crucial for bolstering business opportunities, facilitating tourism, and supporting local industries that rely on international travel.
“We understand the route expansions require considerable planning and resources, and we appreciate the efforts that your company has already invested in evaluating our requests,” said Treñas in his letter to the airline companies.
Treñas’ appeal highlights the city’s readiness to welcome back international travelers and underscores the potential positive impact on the local economy.
He also cited the growing tourism industry in Iloilo has been growing steadily, indicating a strong potential for passenger volume growth.
Local businesses and overseas workers rely on efficient air travel for their operations and family connections, the mayor noted. Infrastructure developments in the region have contributed to the city’s increased air traffic.
“We are hopeful that you will consider our requests favorably and recognize the mutual benefits that additional flights to Iloilo would bring,” the mayor said.
Currently, the Iloilo Airport caters to 70 flights daily, with 35 arrivals and 35 departures.
Department of Tourism (DOT-6) director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez recently told reporters the resumption of international flights from and to the Iloilo Airport remains uncertain.
Rodriguez said they communicated with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) the requests of local chief executives in Iloilo to resume international flights.
Apart from Treñas, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has also been pushing for the return of direct flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Singapore and vice versa.
Rodriguez stressed there is a need to ensure that there is a demand from the two countries to resume the flights.
“We are trying to work that out. We hope to get demand from those from other countries as well, not only the demand of Filipinos,” she said.
International flight operations at the Iloilo Airport have been halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport used to cater to flights to Hong Kong every Monday and Friday and Singapore every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday./PN
