Caticlan Airport terminal expected to open soon

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp. (SMC) expects construction of an interim terminal to serve higher number of passengers at the Caticlan Airport to be completed within the year.

In a statement, SMC, which operates the airport that serves as jump-off point to Boracay Island, said it expects to complete construction of the interim terminal towards the end of the year.

The airport is one of two airports serving the popular tourist spot.

The interim terminal is intended to accommodate the projected increase in passengers with the shift to a bigger aircraft.

Apart from an interim terminal, construction of a permanent world-class international passenger terminal with 12 air bridges is also being undertaken.

Last Nov.18, an Airbus A320 landed at the Caticlan Airport’s expanded runway, marking the start of catering to bigger jet operations.

The airport could only handle smaller turbo propeller aircraft before.

With the expansion of the runway to 1,700 meters from 950 meters, the airport is now ready to accommodate bigger jets and more passengers.

Through the expansion, SMC would also want to cater not just to domestic but to international carriers flying to and from countries including South Korea, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia as well.

“For passengers, this can only mean more airlines competing to offer better services, more affordable airfares, convenience, and less travel time. For the people of Aklan, this will create livelihood opportunities, further boost tourism, and improve their economy,” SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang said.