ILOILO – Despite its currently manageable physical condition, the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan town can no longer handle the increasing passenger demand, urgently signaling the need for expansion.
“Ka gutok na… Kon magbalik sa pre-pandemic levels ang flights kag magdulongan sila, indi kaigu ang mga tawo sa departure (area). Amo na ka-practical sang expansion nga kinahanglan,” remarked Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who previously termed the airport’s expansion as an “overdue practical need.”
Originally, the main passenger terminal was designed to serve 400 to 450 passengers. However, the airport now facilitates 20 flights daily (encompassing both departures and arrivals), with each flight carrying roughly 170 to 200 passengers.
Defensor emphasized the airport’s potential congestion once international flights to and from Singapore and Hong Kong recommence.
To obtain a progress report on expansion proposals, Defensor is scheduled to discuss matters with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista today.
“This afternoon, we’ll meet with Secretary Bautista for a personal dialogue. Our airport is crucial, and we value its importance. Proposals have been tabled, but we are yet to get clarity on their current standing,” said Defensor.
Two potential investors – Villar group (specifically Prime Asset Venture, Inc.) and Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. – have previously tendered unsolicited propositions to DOTr regarding the Iloilo Airport expansion, envisioning a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
In May, Defensor engaged in talks with Aboitiz InfraCapital, spearheaded by Ms. Cosette Canilao, exploring potential infrastructure developments in the province, which included enhancements for Iloilo Airport.
Additionally, Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas is also advocating for the upgrade.
Treñas’s enthusiasm was sparked after learning in a Regional Development Council’s (RDC) Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) session on May 15 that Ilonggos might face significant delays before the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) can perform preventive maintenance on the airport.
“I-push ta na gid lang ang privatization sang airport,” Treñas said. “Regardless of who assumes control, our primary concern is the welfare of our local citizens using the facility.”
In June, the city mayor renewed his plea to airlines, urging the reintroduction of direct flights between Iloilo to Singapore and Hong Kong. This call was prompted by requests from Ilonggos employed in these cities who desire the return of direct routes.
Covering 188 hectares of land, Iloilo Airport encompasses barangays Tabucan, Tiring, Gaub, Duyan-Duyan, and Manguna in Cabatuan. The airport facility boasts a single runway, multiple administrative and maintenance structures, waste management and water treatment systems, a power generation plant, a cargo terminal, and a primary passenger terminal.
As of October 2022, Bautista declared that the airport was earmarked for improvements under a PPP framework, projecting the culmination of these regional airport projects by 2023, aiming to invigorate the nation’s travel and tourism sectors./PN
